This program focuses on preserving and sharing Uganda's rich cultural heritage through traditional storytelling techniques, oral history, and performance. Children learn to appreciate and share the stories that form the heart of their cultural identity.
TIPAC's Cultural Storytelling Program is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Uganda's rich storytelling traditions. In an age of digital media and global influences, we believe it's vital to connect children with their cultural heritage through the timeless art of storytelling.
Our program brings together professional storytellers, cultural elders, and teaching artists to share traditional tales and techniques with a new generation. Children learn not only to retell these stories but to understand their cultural significance and to develop their own storytelling voices.
Learning classic Ugandan folktales, fables, and legends
Voice modulation, gesture, and audience engagement
Understanding the historical and social significance of stories
Creating and adapting stories for contemporary audiences
Monthly weekend workshops (Last Saturday of each month, 9am-1pm)
Junior (6-10), Intermediate (11-14), and Senior (15-18)
Ongoing program with annual storytelling festival in December
$25 per monthly workshop or $250 for annual membership
Stories are the vehicles through which cultures pass down wisdom, values, and history from generation to generation. In Uganda, with its rich tapestry of ethnic groups and languages, storytelling has been central to cultural continuity for centuries.
Our program partners with cultural elders and knowledge keepers from various Ugandan communities to ensure that these stories are not just preserved but shared in authentic ways.
Children learn stories in both English and local languages, helping to preserve linguistic diversity while making these cultural treasures accessible to all.
Opening rituals, community building, and introducing the day's theme
Learning from cultural elders sharing traditional tales
Developing storytelling skills through guided exercises
Refreshments and informal conversation
Working in small groups to develop and practice stories
Presenting stories to the full group and feedback
A celebration of stories, tradition, and young storytellers from across the country
The highlight of our Cultural Storytelling Program is the annual "Voices of Uganda" festival held each December. This three-day event brings together children from all our storytelling groups to share the stories they've learned and developed throughout the year.
Children perform for the community, sharing stories in multiple languages
Open sessions where attendees can learn basic storytelling techniques
Recognition of elders who have contributed to preserving cultural stories
Next Festival: December 15-17, 2025 at the TIPAC Cultural Center
"Learning about our traditional stories has connected me to my grandparents in a new way. Now when I visit my village, I can understand the stories they tell and even share new ones with them. It's like building a bridge between generations."
Grace
Student, Age 16
"As a cultural elder, sharing our stories with these children gives me hope. They are so eager to learn, and they bring fresh energy to tales I've been telling for decades. This program ensures our cultural wisdom will continue."
Elder Joseph Mugisha
Program Mentor
Registration is open year-round, with new participants welcome to join at the beginning of any month.