Illustrations for appreciating traditional stories for primary Schools in Myakayojo division, Mbarara municipality

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to improve the appreciation of traditional stories using graphical illustrations for primary school pupils in Nyakayojo Division, Mbarara Municipality. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: (1) To find out the traditional stories told to primary school pupils in Nyakayojo Division, Mbarara Municipality. (2) To examine how primary school pupils in Nyakayojo Division, Mbarara Municipality appreciate traditional stories. (3) To produce graphical illustrations that clearly explain the selected traditional stories for primary school pupils in Nyakayojo Division, Mbarara Municipality. The study used a Cross Sectional Research Design, six (6) teachers and thirty six (36) pupils were purposively selected to participate. The schools that were used included; Nyakayojo Primary school, Nyamiyaga Primary school, St. Boniface Primary School, Exodus Primary school, Bugashe Primary school and Katukuru Primary school. The story of the formation of Lake Nyabihoko in Ntungamo district was selected among the many stories told because of its popularity among pupils in schools. Using different approaches a number of sketches were developed to reconstruct the story. The sketches capturing different aspects of the story were developed into illustrations and taken back to the population in the locality plus pupils and teachers in the selected schools. This population observed that the illustrations were clearer and explained the story well. It was concluded that the use of graphical illustrations to tell the stories clearly simplify and make the traditional stories more interesting than using and reading mere text. The conclusion therefore supports the researcher‟s argument that the use of graphical illustrations to tell stories is an ideal way of making traditional stories more interesting and understandable to the young people.