In Partnership with Lincoln Littles Stories from Africa
Taking children around the world through the power of stories.
For centuries, stories have been a powerful way to share the rich history and cultures of humanity passed on through the oral tradition, songs, dances and books. In Summer 2021, as part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln partnered with Lincoln Littles to create an online repository of stories to share with young children following this tradition.
For six weeks, 25 young African leaders from 17 countries participated in this virtual Fellowship focused on civic engagement leadership. Fellows also participated in virtual community service activities and engagement with local leaders, including the director of the Lincoln Littles program.
Scroll down to watch, listen and share the children’s stories prepared by these incredible leaders in a variety of formats.
Find a new story to share today.
Stories
Some of these stories you already know — and some of them might be new to you! Enjoy this collection of stories that includes children’s books, traditional tales of origin and fables from around the world.
The Great Animal Kingdom Meeting
By Alexander Arinde
South Sudan
Widely told to children across Africa, this story is about the importance of telling the truth and the great consequence of lies at a big animal kingdom meeting.
Simba, le Roi Lion
By Amadou Bakayoko
Cote d’Ivoire
[Told in French] Did you know the lion wasn’t always the king of the jungle? Learn how Simba took over from the mean tyrant king Dankélé, who wouldn’t let anyone drink from the river without his permission!
Simba, the King Lion
By Amadou Bakayoko
Cote d’Ivoire
[Told in English] Did you know the lion wasn’t always the king of the jungle? Learn how Simba took over from the mean tyrant king Dankélé, who wouldn’t let anyone drink from the river without his permission!
How the Tortoise Got Its Cracked Shell
By Ukachi Chukwu
Nigeria
In this popular Nigerian legend, when Tortoise used to have a smooth shell a long time ago, he came up with a plan to get more food with the help of the Birds. But he learns his lesson to not be greedy when his plan is discovered.
The Tortoise Sees the World
By Mpho Tjope
South Africa
A long, long time ago, a Tortoise discovered there was more to his village than what he could see, even if others did not believe him.
The Tortoise and Hare
By Mwewa Mulonga
Zambia
Once upon a time, the Tortoise and the Hare did a race to see who the fastest in the animal kingdom was.
The Story of the Tribe BAOULE
By Kensy Gnanzou
Cote d’Ivoire
This is the story of how the Baoule Tribe in Cote d’Ivoire got their name from a queen who tried to calm a river that required a sacrifice.
The Boy Who Dreamed of Becoming a King
By Bangaly Diané
Guinea
This is a story of a young boy from the Middle East who dreamt of being a great king – and his journey towards his dream when he had to keep it secret.
The Cunning Tortoise
By Chekwube Iheanacho
Nigeria
When the Tortoise gets married to his wife, he chooses a very cunning name but eventually learns why he shouldn’t be greedy. Derived from the popular Nigerian TV show, Tales by Moonlight.
Jacob's Fish
By Mike Skosana
South Africa
One day, Jacob and his sister are home alone in their village in South Africa and decide to walk to the river to catch some fish – but they meet a stranger there who is not very nice.
The Tale of Rapeto and Traditional Malagasy Dances
By Vony Randrianonenana
Madagascar
This is the story of Rapeto, a kind giant who fell into the sea and created the island of Madagascar. After the story, enjoy two traditional Malagasy dances.
The Three Little Pigs
By Gerald Dandah
Zimbabwe
Once upon a time, a family of three little pigs living in the African rainforest must grow up and go into the forest to build their own homes.
Hamisi Visits the Village
By Joseph Tole Mang’ola
Kenya
One day, a little boy in Kenya visits his grandparents to see how they life their life in a village without electricity. While he’s on holiday, Hamisi learns how to farm and listens to his grandmother’s stories by the campfire.
Why the Sky is Up Very High
By Moses Mwansa
Zambia
A long, long time ago, the sky used to be low and close to people. But one day, the ancestors decided to push the sky up very high because there was so much noise.
Talented Anne
By Dorice Damian
Tanzania
This is a story about Anne, a talented and unique child who loves to learn.
The Little Sugar Thief
By Wevyn Muganda
Kenya
Johnny was a little boy who loved to eat sugar. One day, when his parents leave home and tell him not to eat more sugar, Johnny learns why it’s bad to lie.
The Beautiful Girl who Had No Teeth
By Yashmine Agbere
Togo
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl who had a secret: her teeth were in her armpits, not her mouth. This is the story of what happens to another woman who is jealous of the girl and tries to trick her.
The Hyena and the Blind Man
By Abdoul-Kader Issoufou
Niger
One day, a hungry hyena sees a blind man compelling people to give him food, so the hyena begins a quest to learn the magic spell.
Interactive
This collection contains a variety of interactive activities and media to enjoy with your child, including holiday songs and games.
Imvelo Yinhle (Nature is Beautiful)
By Ayanda Melansi
South Africa
Listen to this poem about the beauty of nature, told in English and isiZulu, from the book Ingwazi by Julie Khumalo.
Tour of a Hearing-Impaired School in Namibia
By Ester Hango
Namibia
Learn more about a special school for hearing-impaired children in Namibia and what activities the kids do. Shared in English and accompanied by sign language.
Numbers, Letters, Shapes and Colors
By Gerald Dandah
Zimbabwe
Practice learning numbers, colors, shapes and the alphabet with Gerald!
The Smiling Game
By Goabaone Maipelo Banyaditse
Bostwana
Gather your friends and play The Smiling Game with Goaba, a word game popular in Botswana to ensure everyone holds a smile on their face.
Little Ones Song
By Joyce Malik Alphones
South Sudan
Learn and sing along with the Little Ones Song about music from Africa.
Animals on the Farm
By Nair de Sousa
Angola
Listen to part of the Portuguese version of “Old Macdonald Had a Farm” and think about why we should be nice to animals.
The Beauty of Nature
By Theresa Nyava
Zimbabwe
Listen to this reflection on what nature is and how you can find it everywhere in the world! What is nature to you?
Never Cheat Others in Life
By Asante Masanche
Malawi
Listen to the beginning of this famous Malawian story about two farmers and think about what happens when you cheat someone else or act from greed.
O Holy Night
By Bongekile Matsenjwa
Eswatini
Sing along to the popular Christmas carol, “O Holy Night.”
The Tale of Rapeto and Traditional Malagasy Dances
By Vony Randrianonenana
Madagascar
This is the story of Rapeto, a kind giant who fell into the sea and created the island of Madagascar. After the story, enjoy two traditional Malagasy dances.
World Language Stories
Enjoy listening to these stories and poems in another language! Videos include English context and captions.
Simba, le Roi Lion
By Amadou Bakayoko
Cote d’Ivoire
[Told in French] Did you know the lion wasn’t always the king of the jungle? Learn how Simba took over from the mean tyrant king Dankélé, who wouldn’t let anyone drink from the river without his permission!
Imvelo Yinhle (Nature is Beautiful)
By Ayanda Melansi
South Africa
Listen to this poem about the beauty of nature, told in English and isiZulu, from the book Ingwazi by Julie Khumalo.
Animals on the Farm
By Nair de Sousa
Angola
Listen to part of the Portuguese version of “Old Macdonald Had a Farm” and think about why we should be nice to animals.
The Beautiful Girl who Had No Teeth
By Yashmine Agbere
Togo
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl who had a secret: her teeth were in her armpits, not her mouth. This is the story of what happens to another woman who is jealous of the girl and tries to trick her.
0-5 Years
For babies and children until 5 years old, enjoy these stories and activities designed to be easy to understand and stay engaged for young children.
Simba, le Roi Lion
By Amadou Bakayoko
Cote d’Ivoire
[Told in French] Did you know the lion wasn’t always the king of the jungle? Learn how Simba took over from the mean tyrant king Dankélé, who wouldn’t let anyone drink from the river without his permission!
Simba, the King Lion
By Amadou Bakayoko
Cote d’Ivoire
[Told in English] Did you know the lion wasn’t always the king of the jungle? Learn how Simba took over from the mean tyrant king Dankélé, who wouldn’t let anyone drink from the river without his permission!
Numbers, Letters, Shapes and Colors
By Gerald Dandah
Zimbabwe
Practice learning numbers, colors, shapes and the alphabet with Gerald!
The Three Little Pigs
By Gerald Dandah
Zimbabwe
Once upon a time, a family of three little pigs living in the African rainforest must grow up and go into the forest to build their own homes.
Little Ones Song
By Joyce Malik Alphones
South Sudan
Learn and sing along with the Little Ones Song about music from Africa.
The Story of the Tribe BAOULE
By Kensy Gnanzou
Cote d’Ivoire
This is the story of how the Baoule Tribe in Cote d’Ivoire got their name from a queen who tried to calm a river that required a sacrifice.
The Tortoise Sees the World
By Mpho Tjope
South Africa
A long, long time ago, a Tortoise discovered there was more to his village than what he could see, even if others did not believe him.
Jacob's Fish
By Mike Skosana
South Africa
One day, Jacob and his sister are home alone in their village in South Africa and decide to walk to the river to catch some fish – but they meet a stranger there who is not very nice.
The Great Animal Kingdom Meeting
By Alexander Arinde
South Sudan
Widely told to children across Africa, this story is about the importance of telling the truth and the great consequence of lies at a big animal kingdom meeting.
How the Tortoise Got Its Cracked Shell
By Ukachi Chukwu
Nigeria
In this popular Nigerian legend, when Tortoise used to have a smooth shell a long time ago, he came up with a plan to get more food with the help of the Birds. But he learns his lesson to not be greedy when his plan is discovered.
The Tortoise and Hare
By Mwewa Mulonga
Zambia
Once upon a time, the Tortoise and the Hare did a race to see who the fastest in the animal kingdom was.
Why the Sky is Up Very High
By Moses Mwansa
Zambia
A long, long time ago, the sky used to be low and close to people. But one day, the ancestors decided to push the sky up very high because there was so much noise.
Hamisi Visits the Village
By Joseph Tole Mang’ola
Kenya
One day, a little boy in Kenya visits his grandparents to see how they life their life in a village without electricity. While he’s on holiday, Hamisi learns how to farm and listens to his grandmother’s stories by the campfire.
The Beauty of Nature
By Theresa Nyava
Zimbabwe
Listen to this reflection on what nature is and how you can find it everywhere in the world! What is nature to you?
The Little Sugar Thief
By Wevyn Muganda
Kenya
Johnny was a little boy who loved to eat sugar. One day, when his parents leave home and tell him not to eat more sugar, Johnny learns why it’s bad to lie.
Animals on the Farm
By Nair de Sousa
Angola
Listen to part of the Portuguese version of “Old Macdonald Had a Farm” and think about why we should be nice to animals.
The Tale of Rapeto and Traditional Malagasy Dances
By Vony Randrianonenana
Madagascar
This is the story of Rapeto, a kind giant who fell into the sea and created the island of Madagascar. After the story, enjoy two traditional Malagasy dances.
5+ Years
For children and young adults over 5 years old, enjoy these stories and activities that require more advanced understanding.
Imvelo Yinhle (Nature is Beautiful)
By Ayanda Melansi, South Africa
Listen to this poem about the beauty of nature, told in English and isiZulu, from the book Ingwazi by Julie Khumalo.
The Boy Who Dreamed of Becoming a King
By Bangaly Diané, Guinea
This is a story of a young boy from the Middle East who dreamt of being a great king – and his journey towards his dream when he had to keep it secret.
The Smiling Game
By Goabaone Maipelo Banyaditse, Bostwana
Gather your friends and play The Smiling Game with Goaba, a word game popular in Botswana to ensure everyone holds a smile on their face.
Tour of a Hearing-Impaired School in Namibia
By Ester Hango, Namibia
Learn more about a special school for hearing-impaired children in Namibia and what activities the kids do. Shared in English and accompanied by sign language.
The Cunning Tortoise
By Chekwube Iheanacho, Nigeria
When the Tortoise gets married to his wife, he chooses a very cunning name but eventually learns why he shouldn’t be greedy. Derived from the popular Nigerian TV show, Tales by Moonlight.
Never Cheat Others in Life
By Asante Masanche, Malawi
Listen to the beginning of this famous Malawian story about two farmers and think about what happens when you cheat someone else or act from greed.
The Beautiful Girl who Had No Teeth
By Yashmine Agbere, Togo
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl who had a secret: her teeth were in her armpits, not her mouth. This is the story of what happens to another woman who is jealous of the girl and tries to trick her.
The Hyena and the Blind Man
By Abdoul-Kader Issoufou, Niger
One day, a hungry hyena sees a blind man compelling people to give him food, so the hyena begins a quest to learn the magic spell.
O Holy Night
By Bongekile Matsenjwa, Eswatini
Sing along to the popular Christmas carol, “O Holy Night.”
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a sub-grantee of IREX and developed this content as a part of the Fellowship.