Nairobi’s newest storytellers featured at a World Storytelling Day 2022 event this past Saturday, March 19, 2022.
Wangari The Storyteller is a performance storyteller with a passion for both oral and written stories. The literary Advocate and children’s author of 21 books works extensively with schools and libraries across the country in reading and literacy-related initiatives such as World Book Day celebrations, Book Weeks & library activities. She also facilitates workshops with teachers, librarians & other literacy support persons on storytelling and hands-on tips to promote reading.
In 2022 the beloved storyteller, supported by the Goethe-Institut Nairobi, started a new program to train the next generation of storytellers. The idea was to teach the next generation of storytellers the skills needed to do this important craft. The eight-week training course included instruction from among others Wangari The Storyteller, John Namai, Goodie Odhiambo, Odero Aghan, Susan Wamucii, and Jeeva Raghunath. Those who took part agreed to perform stories at an event on the World Storytelling Day weekend.
Those who went through the course were Eunice Njagi, Tiffany Achieng, Adeti Mahaga, Lucy Njeri Irungu, Augustus Mutua, Mildred Murefu, Agnes Sirengo, Josphine Palima, Hendrikah Diana, Tracystacy Wambua, Handerson Kiruri, Zunnie Nyaoke, Achieng Osanjo, Achieng Osanjo, Nowella Achoo, and Patrick Gachie.
Some of the best of these presented their stories at the World Storytelling Day event at the Intra Africa Place in Nairobi on March 19. The event was emceed by Wangari The Storyteller with percussion from Babu Achieng and Patrick Gachie. The storytellers who gave their presentations were warmly received by those who attended the event which included many children. Here are some sights and sounds from the event;
