Thank you for sharing this powerful story with us. Could you tell us about what inspired you to write it?

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When I came to this programme, I was not how I am now. I have made a step, and my story is all about the journey I took. I wanted to write about the journey I took because I moved from one place to another and migrated from the village to town using an airplane. When we took a journey from DRC to Uganda, Kampala, there was a difference we saw, from where we were before and where we went. There were good roads and flat houses. My story is true, and some of it is fictionalised. 

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What messages do you hope your readers will take away from your story?

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I hope my readers will take away from my story not to make bad friends who show you a bad path to follow because the influence of bad friends may lead you to get in trouble or spoil your future. My story lets people know that due to the influence of bad friends, my brother Nelson started smoking and taking alcohol. I want to show readers that you have to make good friends to show you the right path to follow. 

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What is the point of storytelling to you? Why do we tell stories, what do they do for us, and what purpose do they serve?

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We tell stories to reduce stress, to train ourselves and create confidence and connections. You also can tell stories to build a living career through selling them, and lastly, to be famous. As for me, the main reason why I tell stories is because I want people to remember me when I’m gone but also to share my life with those who have never even met me.

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Did your story change over the course of your participation in the storytelling workshops? How?

 

My story changed throughout the workshops that made me quick and sharp when thinking of creative writing and new ideas. With the help of our workshop facilitators, I managed to maintain the meaning and core of my story, while enhancing the clarity of my storytelling. I am happy with the final result.

 

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How does your story offer an alternative path, point of view, or way forward? How does it speak to the possibility of an otherwise? 

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My story tells about the journey I took and it offers an alternative path on how to live with others and how to avoid bad groups. With the few years of age that I have, I managed to live different lifestyles and with that I think I am now able to avoid people who are not bringing any positive contribution in my life.