Welcome beneath the storytelling tree.

Silhouette of a person playing a traditional string instrument, sitting on a patterned rug under a large tree in a savanna landscape with distant trees and a setting sun.

This is not just a library. It’s a circle of tales — each one whispered with care, wrapped in metaphor, and sent into the world like a seed on the wind.

Here, I share short stories that spark joy, stir thought, and sometimes nudge your perspective sideways. They don’t take long to read, but they tend to linger — like drumbeats in the chest or echoes in the dusk.

Wander through the stories below. Some will make you smile. Others might make you pause. All are offered with the hope that they add a little more sunlight to your day.

Take your time, reflect, and pass it on if it speaks to you. Stories are alive as long as they’re shared.

Positive Stories Constant Tchona Positive Stories Constant Tchona

The Circle of Concern vs The Circle of Influence

How can we remain positive and hopeful in a world where the COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions of people, killed thousands more, and plunged almost all countries into an unprecedented economic recession?

We can learn from the extraordinary resilience of my childhood friend who used his positive energy to expand his circle of influence and change his world.

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Positive Stories Roméo ESSOU Positive Stories Roméo ESSOU

Cultural Practices for Social Justice

Back in 2010, I led a team to prepare the child sponsorship campaign in the North-West of Benin. As part of this process, we organised meetings with communities leaders to introduce the project and seek their support for its success.

During these initial contacts, one of our hosts gave us a lecture on development and women empowerment.

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Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds

Giving without expecting anything in return

Nowadays, people always expect something in return when they help you. Worse, they expect you to be grateful forever. They don't shy away from reminding everyone that it is thanks to them and them alone that you are who you are today, overshadowing your own efforts and sacrifices.

But there is a better way: give without expecting anything in return.

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When the anger of yesterday's little girl translates into a dedication to today's girls and women…

During my first 3 years in primary school, I was the only girl in the whole school. It was in a nomadic school where my father was a teacher. The nomads did not want the 'white' school, which they saw as a threat to their culture and identity.

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Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds

Good Boss, Bad Boss: we learn from both (Part 2/2)

When I walked out of my boss’ office, I was over the moon. 1,000 young people will have a modest job thanks to my project proposal… My joy was short-lived. His condition for approving the project was morally unacceptable to me. I was faced with two options, each with serious personal consequences.

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Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds

The village chief's lesson to the experts (Part 2/2)

"Tell our guests this ...", with his index finger pointing at me, "this young man was not here the day we chose this project". Then, one by one, he addressed the children, young people, women, and the village elders: "what was the priority of your group? ".

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Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds

Create opportunities for others

"Sir, my name is Miriam. I am a new graduate with a Master Degree in Political Sciences and International Relationships. I'm looking for a job or internship. I am available for a call or a meeting to tell you more about me" ; said Miriam, a young graduate

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Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds

Explore beyond your horizons

I "landed" in #Gueckedou, 700 km from the capital city #Conakry, with no electricity, no running water, no telephone... in short "a no man's land". I spent the whole week crisscrossing the muddy trails and roaming the steep hills

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Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds Positive Stories Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds

Invest early in your career

I'm a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Engineer by training. I started my career in Guinea as Technical Adviser. Early in my career, I wanted to diversify my career options…

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Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds Adama Coulibaly: Spreading Positivity with PositiveMinds

Preparing for a post-COVID-19 world

There are many uncertainties about COVID-19 pandemic. We still don’t know with certitude when and how it has started. We don’t know when and how it will end. We don’t know how many people will be infected or affected or die of it. But we know one thing: the post-COVID-19 world will be a different world.

In the post-COVID-19 world, INGOs face three choices: transform, “die well” or “die badly”. But they don’t have to die, well or bad. They can survive and thrive by learning from the corporate world adaptability and agility.

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