Human societies are built stories – from the nursery rhymes chanted in schoolyards to the tales we tell each other around a table with family and friends. These stories shape us, build our social networks and accompany us along our chosen path in life. Stories have the power to inspire.
In Guinea, storytelling is a deeply rooted custom, passed on through generations. Elders continue to gather today around the mango or baobab tree and tell the stories of families, villages, struggles and hopes, while the younger generation listens and learns. The values and morals hidden within these stories build the foundations of who they become.
Storytelling turns raw information into a narrative that unites. At Rio Tinto SimFer, we believe that the strongest stories are those told by those who experience our project first-hand. From community radio broadcasts in local languages to roundtables in the heart of communities to videos shared around the world showcasing people at work and home, we take the time to highlight the stories of Simandou.
Our people and the communities near our sites are the central characters in the story of Simandou, and their voices are at the heart of what we achieve.
Community radio remains an essential pillar of communication in Guinea. Present in the daily lives of the population, it informs, brings together and strengthens social ties. Through our radio broadcasts, we give a voice to communities, disseminate useful information and tell the story of the project’s progress in languages and formats that are familiar, accessible and close to local communities.
Go to our YouTube channel to listen to these radio broadcasts.
Our comic book, “Tell me about Simandou” shows a family in conversation, retracing the history of the project, its progress and its challenges in a simple, human and educational way. This narrative format anchored in daily life makes complex information understandable through dialogue and emotion.
Click here to read our comic book.
Our social networks extend our stories into the digital world. Videos, photos and testimonies reach a wide and connected audience. They transpose the oral tradition into a digital space, reaching a younger generation and telling Guinea and Simandou’s story around the world.
Follow us on Facebook.
We are proud to highlight the stories of Simandou. Behind every piece of infrastructure, every action, and every milestone, there are faces, journeys, and voices. Sharing them means recognizing their role and contribution.
On World Storytelling Day, we are proud to commit to telling vibrant and inspiring stories that illustrate the central role men and women play in the success of our projects.