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A 13-year old fights to save his siblingsBrothers and sisters. from a monster. A girl sets out to end a droughtA time when there is not enough water and the ground is very dry. .

These are two of the stories told in African Folktales, Reimagined, a new series on Netflix made with UNESCOThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. Part of the UN, it seeks to build peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences and culture. . Six traditionalSomething that has been done for a long time. stories from Africa, which have been told for many years, have been turned into 30-minute films.

The film-makers hope the new Netflix shows will keep the stories alive. Around the world, folktales are dying out. Many parents no longer pass down the stories to their children.

Folk stories can be a link to the past. Many think they are key to being humans. These "stories of the folk", or people, show a group's hopes, fears and what they find important.

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Humans have always told stories. Cave people even painted stories on their stone walls. Some historians think we tell stories to help make sense of the world.

But others think stories belong in the past. Human life has changed hugely. We need new stories for the modern world.

Yes! Everyone likes stories, from folktales to TV dramas. We spread rumours, make our friends laugh and post stories on TikTok. It is a key part of being human.

No! Stories are a tool we use to make sense of the world and share ideas. But a tool does not make us human.