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More Than One Way to Tell a Story

 More Than One Way to Tell a Story: Every Organisation Has a Story Worth Telling



Image credit: South-agency

We have often a heard of organisations closing or facing financial difficulties. But when we look further into what caused the shutdown or the financial problem, we are met with several reasons. Whether it is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), a small business, a school, or a community organisation, how often do we stop to think about the stories hidden in each one?

Although they may all fall under the same category, no two organisations are exactly alike. Each has its own combination of strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities. Together, these show why each organisation is important in its own capacity.



Different Organisations, Different Stories

Take a small business, for example. Small businesses are well known for sales, discounts and building loyal customers, which allows even the poorest to afford the everyday things they need, such as clothes for work or school.

Imagine a woman who opens a small clothing stall after losing her job. She sells affordable school uniforms and everyday wear, and over time her customers become regulars who trust her prices. Her story is not only about selling clothes. It is about a mother who refused to let her family go without.



Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are well known for social impact, fundraising, advocacy and helping the vulnerable. They offer these services through awareness campaigns, donation drives, impact stories, volunteer recruitment, and community projects.

Imagine an NGO that began when a retired nurse started feeding children near her home every Saturday. Today it runs a feeding scheme, recruits volunteers, and raises funds. Behind every donation drive is a moment when someone said, “I can’t ignore this.”



Schools are well known for education, student development, and academic achievement. They offer school events, enrolment campaigns, open days, graduations, student success stories, and fundraising.

Imagine a rural school whose first matric class had only twelve learners. For the principal, who once walked kilometres to school herself, those twelve are far more than results. They are proof that where you start does not decide where you end.

Community organisations, meanwhile, are known for community development, local support, and bringing people together. They offer community events, outreach programmes, food drives, volunteer activities, and awareness campaigns.

Imagine a group of neighbours who started a weekly food drive after a local factory closed. What began as a few bags of groceries in someone’s garage became a network that checks on elderly residents and runs a holiday programme for children. Their story is about people who decided not to wait for help to arrive.

These differences remind us that each of these organisations has a story. Whether it is about the founder, the people working for the organisation, or why they chose to start it, what holds them together is their why. That is why I am asking you: what is your story? Do you know how to tell it?

One Common Goal, Different Contributions



You see yourself in one of these organisations. Or you are a lawyer or a student. What is your story?

A small business does not need to provide exactly what an NGO provides to be valuable. What makes it valuable is its story and what it stands for. Each one deserves the opportunity to tell a story that will lead to its goal.

That is why I created ShelahAfrica: Every Organisation Has a Story Worth Telling.

We help organisations communicate what they do, why it matters, and the people behind their work, through thoughtful, engaging writing.


LinkedIn: Dorcas Mbuyi

Email: dorcasmbuyi200@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +27 673 581 557

YOUR STORY DESERVES TO BE HEARD.


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