What's Happening?
Oxfam International is seeking an experienced animation production company or consultant team to create five text-free 3D WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) animation videos. These videos, each 2-3 minutes long, will be produced in two languages: Standard
Somali (Maxaad Tiri) and Maay, resulting in ten finished language versions. The project is part of the SHIP 2 Consortium Project in Somalia, targeting families in displaced-person camps and remote villages who may not be literate. The animations will demonstrate essential WASH and health practices, such as handwashing, safe water collection, sanitation, disease prevention, and family hygiene. The scope of work includes script adaptation, Maay translation and review, storyboarding, animatics, viewer testing, animation, voice-over recording, sound mixing, revisions, and file delivery. The films must not contain any on-screen writing, subtitles, titles, labels, numbers, written credits, or text-bearing logos, relying instead on visual demonstrations and clear native-speaking narrators.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for addressing critical public health challenges in vulnerable communities in Somalia, particularly those with low literacy rates. By utilizing text-free 3D animation and local languages, Oxfam aims to effectively communicate vital hygiene and health practices to a population that might otherwise be difficult to reach through traditional written materials. Improved WASH practices are fundamental to preventing the spread of diseases and enhancing overall community health, especially in settings like displaced-person camps where resources and infrastructure may be limited. The project's focus on local languages and visual learning ensures accessibility and cultural relevance, maximizing the potential for positive behavioral change and contributing to long-term health outcomes in these underserved regions.
What's Next?
Interested candidates are invited to submit a technical proposal, a portfolio of previous animation work, and a financial offer by November 21, 2026. The proposed delivery period for the animations is four weeks from the contract start date, subject to translation and review time. Oxfam will arrange viewer testing in the project areas of Burhakaba and Bardere, Somalia. The selected consultant will work with Oxfam's WASH or health lead to ensure all technical content is approved before narration or animation. The successful completion and deployment of these videos are expected to significantly aid Oxfam's ongoing efforts to improve health and hygiene in Somalia.
Beyond the Headlines
The project highlights the innovative use of technology and culturally sensitive communication strategies to address humanitarian needs. By focusing on visual and auditory learning, Oxfam is overcoming literacy barriers and ensuring that critical health information reaches even the most marginalized populations. This approach could serve as a model for other humanitarian organizations working in similar contexts, demonstrating how tailored communication methods can enhance the effectiveness of aid programs. The emphasis on local languages and community health volunteers also underscores a commitment to empowering local communities and fostering sustainable health practices from within.
