25/06/2026
STORYTELLING THROUGH PUPPETRY AS A MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
INTERACTIVE LEARNING SESSION WITH STUDENTS FROM BUFFALO STATE UNIVERSITY - NY
22ND MAY 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA
The Kenya Institute of Puppet Theatre (KIPT) hosted a one-day interactive learning session for 13 students and staff from Buffalo University. The visit formed part of an educational and cultural exchange programme facilitated through the partnership between Edu-Africa and KIPT. The session provided students with an opportunity to learn about the role of puppetry and folk media in storytelling, communication, education and advocacy.
Students learned KIPT knowledge brokering processes integrating creative arts into programmes that address social issues including , environmental, governance, health, GBV, inclusivity and human rights. Particular emphasis was placed on the effectiveness of puppetry and folk media as communication tools that simplify complex issues, encourage dialogue, raise awareness, and inspire positive behavioural and social change.
The students were taken through the essential elements of an effective puppet story which included issue identification, development of an introduction and exposition, creation of conflict or tension and development of a meaningful resolution. The session encouraged students to think critically about story structure and the power of storytelling as a medium for communication, education, and advocacy.
The outcome of the session included students developing and presenting their own original stories that demonstrated imagination, teamwork and an understanding of the storytelling principles explored during the session.
Through their own presentation, the students were introduced to various traditional African storytelling techniques, including: songs and chants, dance and movement, ululations, audience participation and dramatic narration. The performance provided participants with a deeper appreciation of African oral traditions and demonstrated how traditional storytelling methods can be effectively used to engage audiences and communicate messages across generations.
In conclusion, the visit provided a valuable platform for cultural exchange, experiential learning, and a greater understanding of the transformative role that the arts can play in fostering dialogue, awareness, and social transformation. The interactive learning session successfully enhanced participants’ understanding of puppetry, storytelling, and folk media as tools for communication and development. It strengthened cultural exchange between KIPT and Buffalo University students while showcasing the potential of creative arts to educate, inspire, and contribute to positive social change.
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