I wrote my story, “Young Person Under Influence,” because I noticed today young people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge, and also by a lack of support from their family members. Let’s take examples here in Nakivale, and elsewhere in Africa. Children are left in the street without education or family supervision, and this creates delinquency in their lives. I hope that my story will be like a big opening door for parents to open their eyes and see the potential that young people can bring into the world. Because this topic does not only affect parents but all people who can see young people in difficulty and give them support so that they can feel loved. Personally, I wanted to share this story with the world to come and help young people in difficulty because young people are supposed to be protected. Because among them there are presidents, senators, businessmen, and mothers of the nation. Thanks for reading my story.
The Old Man in the Village, by Ali Selemani Ibrahim
In a small village nestled in the Atlas mountains in Morocco, there lived an old man named Jack. At ninety years old, he was known for his remarkable strength and endurance. Every morning Jack would venture into the forest to chop wood for the village. He’d swing his ax with precision and power, splitting logs with ease, his muscles rippling beneath his worn, blue flannel shirt. As the seasons passed, Jack’s wood pile grew and so did his reputation. Jack could provide people with raw materials such as firewood, charcoal for cooking and other purposes. People from neighboring villages would marvel at his skills and purchase his neatly stacked cords of wood. Jack took pride in his work, ensuring each log was perfectly split and seasoned to burn warm and long. His dedication and craftsmanship earned him the nickname, “The Wood Chopper Master.” As Jack emerged from the trees after chopping wood, he always felt changed. The act of chopping wood helped him to become a part of something greater than himself. He saw visions of the past and present, and glimpsed the threads of fate that connected all living things. The villagers looked to him with respect, and Jack continued his legacy, chopping wood with a sense of purpose and responsibility to protect the forest and its secrets. Years went by and Jack’s legend grew, people whispered about the giant of a man who could chop wood for hours without rest. Some said that he had a special connection to the forest, that the trees themselves yielded to his ax. Jack just smiled, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mystery, knowing the truth lay in his hard work and love for the simple, satisfying rhythm of chopping wood. This story was peer reviewed by: Stella Charney
Interview with Rukia
Thank you for sharing this powerful story with us. Could you tell us about what inspired you to write it? I chose the topic of my story because I wanted to highlight the beauty and simplicity of village life through the eyes of a curious and innocent child, who shows courage, determination and creativity. My story about a little girl in the village allowed me to explore themes of resilience, adaptability, culture and community, which are essential for human growth. I drew inspiration for my story from my own experience, upbringing and family. What messages do you hope your readers will take away from your story? I wanted to share a relatable and authentic narrative. I aim to shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by children in rural areas, sparking empathy and understanding. I hope readers will come away from my story with a deeper appreciation for the joy and struggles of growing up in a rural community and a renewed sense of hope and optimism for a brighter future. What, from your perspective, is the point of storytelling? Why do we tell stories, what do they do for us, and what purpose do they serve? We tell stories because they allow us to share knowledge, tradition and values, fostering understanding and bonds between individuals and communities. Did your story change over the course of your participation in the storytelling workshops? How? In the course of peer review and writing I enjoyed facing challenges and meeting people who were willing to support my writing and believe in my potential. My story evolved through the process of explaining how Amina changed over the course of the narrative and by exploring the complex relationship between Amina and Mr Peter. How does your story offer an alternative path, point of view, or way forward? How does it speak to the possibility of an otherwise? My story challenges traditional notions of success. Amina’s journey focuses on personal growth and centers the narrative on a young girl protagonist. Amina’s experience and perspective fosters empathy and imagines a world where traditional practices, crafts and agricultural methods thrive.
