Before August 12, 2026, we, as a team, felt a sense of curiosity and anticipation as we had our first discussion regarding the BarefootLaw Voice of Ngora competition. We asked ourselves, “Who can tell a story? Who can bring the Ngora community’s experiences to radio?” It wasn’t just a question; it was an invitation to see the communities we serve in a new light- their stories, their voices, their experiences.
As the preparations unfolded in those weeks leading up to the competition, we felt a mixture of excitement and pride. On the day of the competition, people from different parts of Ngora women, youth, and local leaders came together, practicing lines beneath trees, encouraging each other. For many, it was their first time stepping into a role like this, but they didn’t hesitate. They believed in their stories and in the power of their voices.
The BarefootLaw Box, nestled in Ngora’s vibrant community, became a lively space filled with laughter, nerves, and determination. We walked in and saw women rehearsing under the shade of a tree, exchanging tips for memorizing the script. A script that was centered around the daily legal challenges in the community. It struck us how storytelling doesn’t always need a formal stage; it’s alive in the community, in everyday conversations, in the way we share experiences.
Feeling a deep sense of connection, we saw the community gather mothers, nurses, local leaders, and youth, all eager to participate. We quickly realized that this was not just about winning a prize; it was about giving people a platform to speak, to be heard, and to share their voices.
When the contestants took the stage at the BarefootLaw box in Ngora on August 12, we watched with pride and anticipation. Each performance was more than an act; it reflected their hopes, community ownership, and collectiveness.
We were moved by how this experience transformed their confidence. People who had never thought of themselves as storytellers or performers suddenly realized that their voices matter and could educate, challenge, and inspire change. It was humbling and empowering to witness.
The winners, Okulo Moses, Achom Joyce Mary, and Opado Julius, showed incredible courage and creativity. Ultimately, the true victory was Ngora’s collective spirit coming together. Women rehearsed under trees, neighbours cheered each other on, and the community’s heartbeat was felt in every effort.
This event reaffirmed our belief that justice is not only about laws and courts, but it is also about access, understanding, and participation. When people are equipped with information they can relate to through stories, radio, or community conversations, they become active agents of change.
Ngora’s landscape, with the landmark Nyero Rock Paintings, witnessed this moment like a silent guardian passing on a legacy of storytelling and cultural memory. The rocks, which have preserved this community’s history for generations, now watched as new talents emerged.
This experience emphasized that community participation is at the core of what BarefootLaw stands for. Whether through radio, storytelling, or community gatherings, we believe that access to justice begins with giving people the tools and space to participate and be heard.
Ngora didn’t just find its voice that day; it found a new way to connect, to educate, and to empower. And honestly, that’s the most meaningful victory of all. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest acts, like creating a Radio skit, can have the most profound impact.
Watch a quick recap of the day below.
