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2021 Contestants

Below is a list of all qualifying submissions received from all participating countries.

Moving to a foreign country in my 40s was not part of my life plan. So rather than feel sorry for myself I have found myself thinking more and more about displaced persons of Africa and the impact it has emotionally and mentally on them.

Familiarity by Violet Masilo

The story is about an event that occurred, orchestrated by my mother. I felt that it would be a great story to share about the communal nature of raising a child. This was quite typical exercise in Africa: whether in urban or rural setting. It is a story I actually share a lot with people to illustrate a number of points but mainly that whipping kids may be less effective in teaching children life lessons. My late mother, I like to say, was the Queen of Creative Punishments. The story also is a homage to my mother, who not only was a great story maker but also supported my literary and performance arts endeavors.

The lesson by Hannah Tarindwa

This has been a very touching situation that I and my family have been bearing the pains for a long time. I chose the story because many people out there find themselves in the same situation as my family so I think it will inspire others to be careful as seen from the advise I gave at the end

Recovering from grief as a family by Mbutouh Yipoh

I chose this story because I am the story myself and I want to use it to inspire the world that we can be anything we want to be no matter out root. This story is everything to me. It reminds me of who I am and makes me realize that life is very simple and everyone is important to me no matter our background or race.

Growing up as an orphan by Nwangwu Uchechi

The story I shared reminds me of what is going on around me. The pain people are experiencing as a result of crisis situations and the need to reach out to these people and spread some love even if it is just by hearing their stories.

Through war-torn eyes by Shidoo Tarkaa

I am a village girl. Being conned was an experience that at first; I didn’t even know what happened and to be honest I didn’t know that there are con-artists and scammers and nobody told me of it.

Nothing is for free by Teresa Mutheu