‘The Danger of a Single Story’ is a powerful concept underpinning RLabs’ work, inspired by Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie’s TED Talk.  

It’s an eye-opening training tool.

Different groups receive the ‘single story’ and the ‘full story’ and are asked to advise the person. Because they see Mwana as poor and helpless, the groups advise her to get help from an institution or a handout. When the other groups see Hawa’s assets -  her passion for cooking and her drive to support her family - they advise her to use her assets to start her own business.

We’ve customised this exercise for school leavers, forestry extension workers, factory managers, government, NGOs and donors. With the surprise that comes from seeing that Mwanahawa is one person, training participants realise that they had not done Mwana justice when they only saw her problems. They see that the way the story is written polarises the advice. Participants see that mindset change starts with us. 

When the one story becomes the only story, respect for the person’s capability is lost. When we recognise young people’s abundant passions and resources, we can unleash their potential.