What is this Community Talk about?
The focus is on oral folktales. These stories follow a familiar pattern: they often begin with a peaceful setting —“ Once upon a time…” — but soon introduce a problem. There might be a famine, a monster causing harm, or a small animal trying to outsmart a larger one. In each case, a crisis is presented.
As the story unfolds, the problem is resolved, and the tale usually ends on a hopeful note: “And they lived happily ever after.”
This structure makes folktales a powerful way to reflect on real-life challenges and social issues.
After collecting and studying these stories, OL4D was brought to life through performances and workshops with young people.
Schools, youth centers, and public spaces like market squares were visited. Collaborations were set up with oral artists and storytellers, facilitating connecting with young audiences through creative engagement.
In this Community Talk, the project members will share what they've learned from applying the OL4D approach in Kenya and Ethiopia — including the dilemmas faced, the challenges overcome, and the successes achieved.
This month’s speakers
Teshome Mossissa, Promotor at Jimma University, Ethiopia
Peter Wasamba, Promotor at the University of Nairobi, Kenya
Inge Brinkman, Promotor at Ghent University, Belgium
Learn more about: OL4D - Oral Literature for Development’ (OL4D)