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.

Amina lived with her mother, Mrs. Bimbo, in a small village surrounded by lush green forest and winding rivers. Mrs. Bimbo was a kind and gentle soul, loved by all in the village for her warmth and generosity. Amina and Mrs. Bimbo shared a special bond and their days were filled with laughter and adventure. They would spend hours exploring the forest, collecting herbs and berries, and helping their neighbours with their daily chores, all the while dreaming of a garden of their own. One day, a very wealthy man named Mr. Peter moved from the city of Kisangani in Democratic Republic of Congo, to Amina and her mother’s village. One Monday morning, when all of the other children were in school, Mr. Peter saw Amina fetching water from a nearby stream. Wasn’t she supposed to be in school, Mr. Peter thought to himself. But he did not say anything. On Tuesday, when all the students were supposed to be in school, Amina was once again at home doing chores. “Hello little girl, how are you?” asked Mr Peter. “I am fine sir,” Amina responded with surprise. Amina was not comfortable talking to strangers and she stepped backward, almost making her way indoors. Mr. Peter said, “Wait, l don’t bite. I am just here to have a word with you.” Amina smiled nervously. “Why are you not in school?” Mr. Peter asked. “My parents did not have money to put me in school, sir.” Mr. Peter shook his head and asked where Amina’s parents were, and if they were inside the house. Just then, Mrs. Bimbo came out of the house and greeted Mr. Peter. “I heard you do not have money to put this young girl in school,” Mr. Peter said, “I am here to help.” He continued, “Can you please allow her to follow me to the city where I will take full responsibility for her education?” The truth was that Mrs. Bimbo was struggling to make ends meet. Amina’s father had passed away when she was just a baby and Mrs. Bimbo worked tirelessly to provide for her daughter’s needs. Despite her efforts, the two of them often went to bed with empty stomachs. Mrs. Bimbo requested of Mr. Peter, “Sir, why not give her the education here in this village, sir? She is my only hope and I would not want her to be far away from me. I don’t want anything to happen to her.” Mr. Peter promised, “Don’t worry, I give you my word she will be fine.” Mrs. Bimbo agreed and, after two days, Mr. Peter and Amina made their way to Lagos, the biggest city in Nigeria. They arrived at noon and Amina was very happy when she got to Mr. Peter’s beautiful house where his wife, Madam Sophia, was waiting. “Who are you?” Madam Sophia asked with an accusatory look. “Good evening, madam,” Amina said. “And what is good about the evening?” Madam Sophia retorted sharply. Immediately, Mr. Peter stepped in. “That is Amina, the little girl whom I was telling you about over the phone while I was in the village.” “Yes, what about her? Did you tell me you would bring her with you? What is she doing here?” Madam Sophia asked with anger. Mr. Peter explained that he offered to help Amina and provide her with an education because her family was in need, and she and her mother was always kind and generous. The next day, Amina woke up to see a pile of dirty clothes. “Go and wash those clothes in the basket!” Madame Sophia demanded. The demands did not stop. Amina was not fine, but she was determined to manage the situation so that she could finish her education. Eventually, Amina paid off her school fees and was able to return home. She returned to a surprise. Mr Peter had bought a garden plot surrounded by lush green forest for Amina and her mother. They were able to expand their garden, hire helpers and start a small workshop to produce jam, sauces and spices. Mrs. Bimbo was overjoyed to see her daughter’s dream to be an agricultural entrepreneur taking shape. She had always known Amina was special, but now the whole world was recognizing her talent and hard work. Two years later, a representative from a prestigious agricultural university visited their garden. He was impressed by Amina’s innovative techniques, sustainable practices, and high-quality products. He offered Amina a full scholarship to study agricultural science, which she happily accepted. With Mr. Peter’s help and her own determination, Amina changed her family’s life from nothing to something. She never forgot his kindness.   This story was peer reviewed by: Iago Macknik-Conde