An incredible program led to the creation of The Story of the Acholi - A Village Tale from Uganda. This was born out of a project that encouraged Acholi community members living in Gulu, northern Uganda to write, paint and perform about their personal stories consisting of family, positive health and peace & reconciliation after the 20 year civil war. This 56 page storybook is written in both English and Acholi languages, is full of colorful illustrations, displays photographs of participating community members and captures personal quotes about this intimate and ultimately empowering project. "Cultural ties contribute to the social, psychological, therapeutic and educational existence of Ugandans. This storybook is the culmination of hundreds of community members' ideas, thoughts, hopes and dreams. The illustrations were first created in 2008 in Tororo, and by August 2011, Gulu residents wrote their own personal recollections in diaries describing events they lived through. They painted scenes depicting their beautiful and sometimes harrowing tales. As a collective group, we combined the essays into one - to colorfully tell the story of the Acholi people. We hope this storybook will bring Ugandan readers closer together and allow the chance for others around the world to share in this experience, while learning about northern Uganda's remarkable culture and its people." Hilary Wallis, Founder and Executive Director of Artfully AWARE The Story of the Acholi - A Village Tale from Uganda was made possible through a strong collaboration between Artfully AWARE, Childcare and Development Organization and Karin Parents Association.
About the Author: Artfully AWARE (AfA) uses creativity as an important tool for social improvement and emotional recovery of persons who have experienced traumatic events, disabilities or inadequate living conditions through our main program - The Community-Created Book Project. Our unique project builds trust through discussions, elicits the sharing of personal narratives through interviews and story sharing, while painting, drawing and photography workshops empower people to discover solutions to community issues. Sometimes dance, theatrical performances and music sessions are also utilized. Together, these workshops form a complete holistic approach to working with communities. We empower people to understand their own ability to influence their future by writing, illustrating, photographing and publishing their personal stories into a book that offers a way of expressing internal feelings that have been repressed in times of turmoil and are often difficult to vocalize. We give voice to those who have been marginalized or voiceless. Through each Community-Created Book Project, participants strengthen their minds and abilities through creative stimulation; looking inward and to each other for solutions and problem solving. Our workshops are cathartic, therapeutic and bring much needed resilience. We aim to engender cross-cultural learning, foster a greater awareness of human rights, encourage the break down of barriers and stereotypes and preserve cultural heritage. One can not overstate the importance of communities being able to hold a history written by themselves in their own hands. 100% of proceeds raised through the purchase of our book goes straight back into developing more educational arts programs for community members to promote empowerment, support psychological well-being, increase self-esteem and enhance local capacity building.