What began as a national storytelling day in Sweden and later evolved into a five-week-long storytelling festival in Australia has now blossomed into a global phenomenon—World Storytelling Day. The International World Storytelling Day is celebrated annually on March 20th. This day honors the rich tradition of oral storytelling, bringing people together from diverse backgrounds to share and listen to heartfelt stories in multiple languages. It underscores the profound role storytelling plays in shaping societies, preserving culture, and fostering connections across generations.

The Timeless Tradition of Storytelling

Before the advent of writing, storytelling thrived through vocal tradition. Communities would gather in designated spaces, eagerly listening to storytellers who, with expressive gestures and compelling narratives, transported their audiences into worlds filled with adventure, wisdom, and life lessons. These stories, woven with the intricacies of culture, myth, legend, and folklore, were not merely for entertainment—they were powerful tools of education, and moral guidance.

Even in modern times, storytelling remains a cornerstone of knowledge preservation. It bridges the past and the present, allowing invaluable wisdom to be passed from one generation to another. Through storytelling, we learn about history, cultural values, and practical strategies for overcoming life’s challenges. It serves as an educational tool that imparts essential truths, making knowledge accessible and relatable.

Voices of Change: How East African Storytelling Transcends Time

East Africa, like most of the world, has witnessed remarkable growth in the way its storytelling techniques have advanced from the oral tradition of storytelling to reading stories in books; it is clear that storytelling has taken various forms, drastically changing the medium in which stories are received.

The stories shared in written form imprints a deeper and a more vivid image to the reader, allowing them the luxury of revisiting these stories at will. On the other hand, a story may be told once barely allowing the listener to take note of some key details.

Education and technology has provided a means in which these stories would last. Although shared through both oral tradition and digital publishing, it gives room for the stories to transcend across borders maintaining its permanence.

These Asante Africa students are inspiring examples of how each of us plays a role in the changing landscape of storytelling.

Take, for instance, Innocent—a young man who has risen above the challenges that often define the journey of a typical Ugandan youth. Losing his mother at the tender age of ten and his father at seventeen, he found himself as the fourth child in a large family struggling against economic hardships. Despite these obstacles, his resilience and determination led him to the Asante Africa Foundation’s Youth Leadership Program (YLP), where he acquired essential skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, leadership, and communication. Armed with this knowledge, he transformed his passion for bookmaking into a thriving enterprise, working alongside fellow students. The profits generated from their business have not only helped Innocent and his classmates pay their school fees but have also supported their families. Today, Innocent earns over $25 per month, enabling him to save toward his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer.

Similarly, Norah, a determined Ugandan youth, refused to let financial limitations hinder her aspirations. She joined Asante Africa Foundation’s community-driven learning group, where she gained the skills necessary to launch her own bookmaking business. Without initial capital, she took the initiative to work in her neighbors’ gardens, saving enough money to start a piggery business. Her efforts bore fruit when she sold three pigs, allowing her to finally invest in bookmaking. With relentless dedication, she sold 150 books. Norah’s perseverance, despite numerous hardships, paved the way for her independence. As her business flourishes, she remains a beacon of inspiration, especially for women in her community who face similar challenges.

The success of this initiative has not only transformed their lives but has also ignited a ripple effect of empowerment within their communities. Their journeys exemplify the power of resilience, collaboration, and hard work—proving that with the right opportunities, young people can create lasting change. Their stories will not only inspire East Africa but will resonate across the globe, touching lives and preserving the rich tradition of storytelling for generations to come.

As we celebrate the International World Storytelling Day, we pay tribute to the countless individuals in East Africa who have remained steadfast in the face of adversity. Their journeys of perseverance remind us that storytelling is more than just words—it is a vessel of hope, empowerment, and transformation.

Whether shared through oral tradition or modern platforms, stories possess the power to shape minds, ignite change, and inspire action. On this special day, we honor the lasting impact of storytelling, believing that the narratives shared will transcend borders, touch hearts, and encourage those facing similar struggles to rise above their challenges and strive for a brighter future. 

Happy World’s Storytelling Day! 

WRITTEN BY: Victoria Kwamaamabe