In a world marked by diversity, the power of storytelling lies in its ability to transcend barriers and unite people. Speakers play a vital role in the process as they share their personal stories and the lessons learned along their journeys, fostering connection and understanding.

That is what the third edition of Storytelling Night shed light on. Organised by Interact Rwanda, the event that took place on July 29, brought together speakers from various nations to share inspirational and empowering narratives with the audience under the theme "Bridging Borders Through Stories."

Sharing his journey, Eugene Anangwe, a renowned international journalist, recounted a significant challenge he faced when his career pursuits in Kenya were met with repeated closed doors. Undeterred, he persevered, and fate smiled upon him when he discovered an opportunity with Contact FM in Rwanda. Despite initial skepticism from his family, he made the decision to relocate here.

Through his dedication and talent, Anangwe eventually started working for prestigious organisations like KTN and Kiss FM. He said that in these roles, he reported on crucial events and shared stories from Rwanda, leaving a lasting impact on his audience.

Anangwe emphasized the importance of persistence and continuous self-improvement in one's chosen field. He stressed that striving for excellence attracts opportunities and that discipline and passion have been the driving forces shaping the person he is today.

A firm believer in the power of mentorship, Anangwe encouraged young individuals to seek out mentors to guide and inspire them. He urged them to dream big and live with the mindset of already achieving their aspirations, fostering discipline and hard work to make those dreams a reality.

Even after achieving great success as a journalist, Anangwe said he remained committed to his personal growth, continuing his studies at the university level. He advised against settling for current accomplishments, always pushing oneself to reach for greater heights.

"Always want more even if people tell you that you’ve reached there, and work towards achieving it,” he said.

Mikel R. Quintana, a global education enthusiast, recounted experiences traveling to various countries across the world and emphasized the significance of not taking the safety and security of any place for granted, appreciating the love and warmth he witnessed in Rwanda.

One of the turning points in his life was finding solace and healing from the loss of his father when he became a part of Agahozo Shalom school located in Rwamagana District.

He said the institution's mission to assist young individuals in their healing journey and discovering their life purpose had a significant impact on him.

As he became involved with Agahozo Shalom, he dedicated himself to working with young people, helping them open up and heal while encouraging them to share their personal stories, from their beginnings to where they stand today.

Quintana stressed the value of learning about different cultures through direct experiences, personal narratives, and diverse perspectives. He highlighted that each culture holds its unique diversity and that it is crucial to avoid forming narrow and singular views of any place.

He further underscored that genuine empathy and understanding stem from investing time in learning about a place and its people, rather than being a superficial tourist passing through.

Julius Mugabo, the Founder of Interact Rwanda, said that the primary goal of the third edition of Story Telling Night was to facilitate networking, breaking down borders, and sharing stories to unite people from different countries.

He added that the event aims to inspire and empower attendees while fostering connections and professional relationships.

The first edition focused on mental health, while the second edition revolved around the theme of business.

Charline P. Chikomo, a speaker from the inaugural edition, served as the moderator for the event. He emphasized the value of networking and highlighted the benefits he received from connecting with fellow attendees, including gaining new customers.

The fourth edition of Story Telling Night is scheduled to take place in two months