Virtual Reality is quite possibly the most powerful educational tool we have. In this 360 experience by Gabo Arora and Chris Milk for Within, I spent 10 minutes of my Sunday afternoon walking alongside Eboloa survivor Decontee Davis in Liberia, where 11,207 people have died (including neighbouring Guinea and Sierra Leone) since the outbreak began in December 2013.* To put this number in to perspective, in the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, USA, in 2001, 2,996 people were killed (including the 19 hijackers).
When we are so removed from health crises such as those that plague Africa, it is difficult to comprehend the reality. Virtual Reality is able to break down the barriers of distance and teleport users directly into the shoes of others, raising empathy and ultimately cultivating compassion thus becoming a powerful tool in education.
For a full immersive experience, watch Waves of Grace in a VR headset on the Within VR app.
*Source: Reuters