Samuel Hall Stories

Behind the Metrics - What We Measure and Why

📊 What we measure shapes what we manage.  But do our metrics truly reflect the realities we aim to change?
 In this episode of the Samuel Hall Stories Podcast, host, Devyani Nighoskar goes Behind the Metrics with Marta Trigo Da Roza, senior Researcher at Samuel Hall to unpack how the metrics we choose shape the policies, programmes, and lived experiences of people in contexts of migration and displacement.
Together, they explore: ✔️ Why defining what we measure is crucial for effective policy ✔️ The hidden biases behind common metrics ✔️ How to ensure human stories aren’t lost in the numbers
With real-world examples from our research at Samuel Hall, this episode is for anyone curious about how data influences the way we understand the world—and how we can use it to drive real change.
 
Pre-into music: The Remains of Hope /Magnus Ringlblom/ Epidemic Sound
Intro and Outro Music: The Light/Loving Caliber/Ooyy/ Epidemic Sound
Break Music: No More Reason/Farrell Wooten/Epidemic Sound
 
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Show notes:
Planning for Inclusive Urban Solutions in Afghanistan - From the Protracted Displacement in an Urban World Consortium
REF: South Sudan’s Decades of Displacement: Understanding Return and Questioning Reintegration
IOM: Unpacking the Realities of Displacement Affected Communities in Afghanistan Since August 2021
IOM - Development of a Monitoring Toolkit and Review of Good Practices for the Sustainable Reintegration of Child Returnees

From the Ground Up: Redefining Localisation with Refugees

In this special episode, we’re joined by Nhial Deng, a South Sudanese refugee and advocate, as he redefines localisation in the humanitarian sector. 
Nhial’s journey—from Kakuma refugee camp to winning the Global Student Prize—offers valuable insights on empowerment, local leadership, and meaningful refugee inclusion. Through Nhial’s story, we explore how humanitarian practices can evolve to genuinely work with the communities they aim to support.
Listen in to discover the steps needed for true localization, beyond consultations and into community-led action.
 
Show Notes: -⁠ Voices of Resilience Podcast: Na'amal⁠
⁠- Storytelling in Research with Refugees⁠
Pre-into music: The Remains of Hope /Magnus Ringlblom/ Epidemic Sound
Intro and Outro Music: The Light/Loving Caliber/Ooyy/ Epidemic Sound
Break Music: No More Reason/Farrell Wooten/Epidemic Sound
 
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The Promises & Pitfalls of Digital Livelihoods for Refugees in Kenya

In Kenya, where over half a million refugees seek safety and opportunity, digital skills are emerging as a crucial pathway to self-sufficiency. But are these tech-driven solutions addressing deeper structural challenges—or just a quick fix?
 
In the latest episode of Samuel Hall Stories, host Mwara Namelok and Aol Jared, our Research Operations Manager, dive into years of Samuel Hall’s research on digital livelihoods to explore what’s working, what isn’t, and how barriers to access - including legal and infrastructural barriers continue to hold back progress.
We also tackle tough questions on exploitative work conditions in the digital economy, the promises of the new Refugee Act and the vital role of Refugee-Led Organisations (RLOs) in driving real change.
Tune in to hear practical and durable solutions for a more ethical, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for refugees.
Show Notes:
Digital Livelihoods for Refugees—Examples, Challenges, and Recommendations
WUSC & Mastercard Foundation: Market Assessment of Digital Employment Opportunities for Refugee Youth
This Refugee-Led Organisation is Championing Digital Skills in Kakuma
ILO – Towards decent work for young refugees and host communities in the digital platform economy in Africa
Championing Digital Livelihoods For Refugees In Kenya
Pre-into music: The Remains of Hope /Magnus Ringlblom/ Epidemic Sound
Intro and Outro Music: The Light/Loving Caliber/Ooyy/ Epidemic Sound
Break Music: No More Reason/Farrell Wooten/Epidemic Sound
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Strengthening Localisation: The Value of Faith Actors in Humanitarian Work

In this third episode, we understand the role of faith actors within the Humanitarian sector.
Drawing from our research across Kenya, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine, and Mozambique, with Islamic Relief Worldwide, this collaborative episode explores a vital question: How can faith actors effectively support local humanitarian and development efforts and strengthen localisation efforts?
Hosted by Devyani Nighoskar, our Storytelling and Communications Officer, the podcast features insights from our co-founder and principal researcher Dr. Nassim Majidi, and our research lead Juliette Samman.
Research Report: https://www.samuelhall.org/publications/islamic-relief-the-added-value-of-faith-actors-in-localisation-opportunities-and-barriers-in-humanitarian-action
Pre-into music: The Remains of Hope /Magnus Ringlblom/ Epidemic Sound
Intro and Outro Music: The Light/Loving Caliber/Ooyy/ Epidemic Sound
Break Music: No More Reason/Farrell Wooten/Epidemic Sound
Aidworker’s quote was read by a Voice Actor
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Unpacking Resilience

In this second episode, we are unpacking the term ‘resilience’’ 
What is the meaning of resilience and why is it such a popular word within the humanitarian space? Does resilience as an umbrella term absolve organisations of accountability? Does it put the burden of recovery on individuals rather than focus on systemic issues ? Or is it simply a term to celebrate those who have overcome extraordinary challenges.
Tune in and listen as we navigate these questions  in this thought-provoking episode, hosted by Communications Intern Mwara Namelok and Samuel Hall’s co-founder, Herve Nicolle. 
 
Pre-into music: Daylight Soft - Music by Vladimir Sheshnev from PixabayIntro and Outro Music: Eco Technology - Music by Aleksey Chistilin from PixabayNews clip music: https://www.FesliyanStudios.comBreak Music: Chili Abstract - Music by Yurii Semchyshyn from PixabayResearch References:
On the Long Run: The Story of A (Refugee) UltraMarathon Runner: François Msafiri
Echoes of Change: How one Maasai Woman-led CBO is Empowering Women in The Face of Climate Change
Between Tradition & Transition: Gendered Perspectives on Climate Mobility Among the Maasai in Suswa, Kenya
https://www.samuelhall.org/publications/iom-amp-unep-nbspidentifying-climate-adaptive-solutions-to-displacement-in-somalia?rq=climate%20adaptive%20solutions
https://www.samuelhall.org/publications/iom-afghanistan-unpacking-the-realities-in-displacement-affected-communities-since-august-2021?rq=%20Displacement%20affected%20communities%20in%20afghanistan
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Decolonising Migration Research

In our inaugural episode, we're diving into ‘Decolonising Migration and Displacement Research’ – a transformative approach that challenges deep-rooted biases and narratives. 
Join us as we unravel the layers of this movement, exploring its impact on policy, public perception, and the lives of those on the move. Hosted by our Storytelling & Communications officer; Devyani Nighoshkar and our resident expert; Juliette Samman, a research lead at Samuel Hall, based in Lebanon; the episode delves into how researchers can dismantle enduring colonial structures in the field of migration research.
MUSIC:
Pre-into music: Daylight Soft - Music by Vladimir Sheshnev from PixabayIntro and Outro Music: Eco Technology - Music by Aleksey Chistilin from PixabayNews clip music: https://www.FesliyanStudios.comBreak Music: Chili Abstract - Music by Yurii Semchyshyn from PixabayResearch References:
On Participatory forums: https://www.samuelhall.org/publications/participatory-forum-on-protracted-displacement-in-an-urban-world
https://www.unhcr.org/media/press-coverage-refugee-and-migrant-crisis-eu-content-analysis-five-european-countries
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/highereducation/2019/07/19/migration-studies-from-dehumanising-to-decolonising/
Lifelines & Dreams Methodology
https://www.samuelhall.org/publications/knomad-youth-migration-amp-development-a-new-lens-for-critical-times
https://www.samuelhall.org/publications/ref-south-sudans-decades-of-displacement-understanding-return-and-questioning-reintegration
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