Noreen Asekenye is a Ugandan philanthropist and the founder of the ‘Tell A Story’ Foundation which uses storytelling as a tool to build conversations around social issues that affect communities.
Through the non-profit organization that was founded in 2018, Noreen has documented stories of over 60 unsung community heroes in Uganda to ‘remind us that ordinary people can do amazing things and that we can all be leaders.’
Noreen has connected over 100 people to join the foundation’s ‘fireside storytelling’ sessions that have been instrumental in raising funds to support different causes. A June 2022 fireside session raised $350 to support marginalized children in the Namutumba District of Uganda with school supplies and meals.
For her tremendous contribution to making the world a better place, Noreen has been the recipient of several recognitions.
She has been featured by Points of Light, Lioness of Africa, HerGenuity Afrika, Today’s Youth Africa, Women of Rubies, Imaginact, New Vision’s Top 40 under 40, Civic Source Africa, and more. She is also a YALI RLC Alumni, Reignite Africa, Zimba Women, Accountability Lab Global and currently A Giving Tuesday Starling Fellow.
Noreen talked to GLIM about the foundation’s work, dreams and aspirations, among other things.
What motivated you to start the ‘Tell A Story’ Foundation?
Being African, we have been blessed with the richest heritage of stories from way back, I wanted to reconnect people to the oldest form of communication which was storytelling, also I wanted people to feel loved regardless of where they were coming from or what they did. I wanted them to feel that they mattered and so did their stories. I don’t like it when people are treated unworthy, we all matter.
What activities or programs do you run at the Foundation?
We document stories of unsung heroes making a visible impact in communities. These are people we don’t hear or read about anywhere. We do this, to remind each other that we are all leaders and that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
We hold bonfire storytelling nights to relive the African Tradition of storytelling around fireplaces, on these nights we tell and listen to our Stories freely and without any shame. These nights are hinged with live music, African Tea, games, and poetry. These nights are also fundraising avenues for the causes we champion such as educating vulnerable children.
We run fundraisers for the people whose stories require a need. For example, we held charity runs and walks for children with autism and a group of learners at Nkono Memorial School, Namutumba District that culminated in renovating the Dorna Center for Autism and also raising scholastic support.
Starting and running the foundation, what has surprised you the most in this journey so far?
The Tell a Story Foundation began with zero shillings, it was a journey of faith, we have never lacked, I was surprised by people who kept saying they are waiting for resources to start. If I ever waited, we would not be here. I believe that if God sends you, he will provide for you, you need to begin from where you are, with what you have and what you can do, ours began with a story and that’s what we are giving.
What is the Foundation’s proudest accomplishment?
Every episode at the foundation has been a beautiful story to tell. All the successes from the stories we profile, the people we meet, bonfire nights, the charity runs or walks, and the nominations, have all made us proud.
What do you love most about your work with the foundation?
I love the fact that we use storytelling to connect people from all social spaces irrespective of their age, gender, or nationality. Storytelling brings people together to talk about their daily joys and struggles and in turn inspires them to be involved in meaningful causes.
How far do you want to take the Tell A Story Foundation?
The entire world.
What impact would you like to leave in Africa with the foundation?
Africa was impacted by the stories we told and the love we shared.
What advice would you give to other people that look up to you?
You are so much more than you think you are, you have too much potential and there is no race in life. Everyone has their race, and once you realize that, you will not compete for space, your space is there, you will not be intimidated by other women climbing the ladder or those that have made it, rather you will cheer them on and know that sometimes you are at the front, other times no, for the times you are not, celebrate the next woman taking lead, learn from their story, how did they do it? then you will attract that which you celebrate, it will come to you.
By Fancy Hilda Nazarite
