H.I.T. storytelling: healing, inspiring, transforming amidst death and disaster

Abstract

The devastation of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013 in the Visayas region left homeless families, collapsed infrastructures, disrupted livelihoods, and claimed lives. Basic needs have been responded but how about the rehabilitation of hopes and dreams? How about the stress and trauma incurred by the children who have lost their loved ones, their homes, their hopes?

This paper aims to introduce an alternate way for librarians to help and that is through H.I.T. storytelling. Stories used are those that Heal the emotions, soul and spirit, Inspire the children who are victims of disasters, and Transform the mindset and lives of the children and their families. H.I.T. storytelling is a form of bibliotherapy that provides psycho-social activities like stress debriefing in the form of Story and Play. This initiative provides access to books and information so victims of disasters may look toward the future with strength, hope and knowledge on how to rebuild their lives. This paper includes a mechanics on how to go about H.I.T. storytelling that may be used to replicate it.

In a world where libraries and librarians are constantly being judged on our relevance to the society, we have to pursue a more active presence that is visible, charismatic and timely to the needs of the community. What better way to prove our worth than to be helpful in times of disaster and need? Through H.I.T. storytelling, we, librarians, can do just that.