This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
July 16, 2020
Storytelling has long been an integral part of African culture, passed down through generations through song, dance, and stories. It's a way to share information, lessons, and experiences from one generation to another.
However, with the passing of time, this tradition is slowly fading away. Many young people today are unfamiliar with the stories of their ancestors, and the events that shaped their country's history.
Take, for example, the Saba Saba celebrations, which commemorated the Second Liberation in the 1990s. While some may view it as ancient history, it's essential to remember that our past shapes our present and future.
Researchers working on documenting the Holocaust have faced a similar challenge. With each passing year, the number of survivors decreases, leaving behind only images, text, and old film. To make these stories fresh and firsthand, historians are turning to storytelling as a way to connect with young people.
But we're not doing enough to share our country's history through stories. We're losing a part of ourselves and our collective history. It's time to revive this tradition and pass on the stories of our past to the next generation.
Nerima Wako-Ojiwa, executive director of Siasa Place, emphasizes the importance of storytelling in preserving our history and identity.
