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One Minute Monthly: Updates From Our Community
In our first newsletter of 2026, we spotlighted a selection of standout media stories about Narrative 4 from PBS, NBC, New York Magazine and the BBC, shining a light on the extraordinary work of our facilitators and schools. From exchanges that bring together people with opposing views on immigration and gun control, to stories that bridge divides between youth and adults, these moments show how storytelling helps people recognize our shared humanity.
We also shared community updates from across the USA, Africa and Ireland—a reminder that this movement is truly global. In fact, this year we aim to train thousands more facilitators across the globe and hope you’ll join the effort.
Below, you’ll find two of the inspiring updates from our growing community.
42,000 Youth Voices
📍 Narrative 4 Africa
2025 was a year of growth and connection for Narrative 4 Africa. Here’s a glimpse of what our community achieved in 2025:
✏️ 42,808 Student Participants
🗨️ 3,045 Story Exchanges
💜 286 Facilitators Trained
🎒 474 Schools Engaged.
Students took part in civic engagement programs such as Trash to Treasure, community Story Exchanges and the Cities School Challenge. We can’t wait to read about what they do this year!
Celebrating Cross-Border Creativity
📍 Narrative 4 Ireland
In January, we published an anthology of writing, artwork and photography created by 23 young people from Belfast and Limerick. The book celebrates a cross-border youth exchange. The Belfast participants joined their peers in Limerick for a book launch, attended by program partners, community members and the Mayor of Limerick!
In the anthology’s foreword, N4 co-founder and author Colum McCann reminded us that vision can always defeat division.
The project is part of the Shared Island Initiative, which aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding across the island of Ireland.
Read the full January newsletter here, and subscribe for future updates.
Related Blog Posts
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Remembering Our Colleague Nakya Marshall.
Blog • February 25, 2026We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of colleague Nakya Marshall.
Nakya was a shining light and embodied so much of what is good in this world. She worked as a Training Associate and Lead Trainer for Narrative 4.
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Press Release
Blog • February 24, 2026A groundbreaking new study from the University of Oxford and The Ohio State University reveals compelling evidence that storytelling reduces polarization and measurably strengthens emotional connection, active citizenship and social cohesion among high school students.
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On the Road in 2026!
Blog • February 6, 2026In the United States, our team is kicking off 2026 with a full schedule of workshops, seminars and talks at conferences and expos around the country. We’d love to see you there!