• I dream of the day when these, the African mathematicians and computer specialists in Washington and New York, the African physicists, engineers, doctors, business managers and economists, will return from London and Manchester and Paris and Brussels to add to the African pool of brain power, to enquire into and find solutions to Africa's problems and challenges, to open the African door to the world of knowledge, to elevate Africa's place within the universe of research the information of new knowledge, education and information -Thambo Mbeki, former South African President
  • They therefore concluded that “the findings of this (and other) surveys indicate that coverage of Africa, by the leading sources of American media is, at best, dismissive of the continent’s progress and potential, and thus leading to continued ‘exotification’ and marginalization of the African continent. At worst, coverage disregards recent trends toward democratization, thus betraying an almost contemptuous lack of interest in the potential and progress being achieved on the continent.”

Above excerpt is from a writer: Gbemisola Olujobi

  • By Gbemisola Olujobi - The Africa You Need to Know - Posted on Nov 28, 2006 See Full Article above

Why is the African image so negative?

  • Tell the Truth
  • What is your image of Africa?

Friday, March 6, 2009

Myself - the girl child and the woman


I am blessed to have been raised by loving, able, faithful and absolutely terrific parents. I was a child surrounded by love, support and kind words. I was in the right place and i was able to enjoy my childhood as an only girl in a family of 5 boys. I loved it. I came out as I am today, comfortable, strong despite the odds, beautiful despite what the word means, strong and confident amidst all the chaos. Today i uphold my God given right as a woman. Thank you!

The girl child in Kenya who is fighting for her rights, crying out for her mama or daddy, the girl who has had to hide and ran away every time men approach the homestead for fear of being sold to an older man, or the girl who misses school 4 days a month because she has no sanitary pads. This is to the girl-child who faces the wrath of torment as she is forced into female genital mutilation. This is for the girl who has not seen or even heard anyone tell her that she's lovely, cute or beautiful. This is to the girl-child who has never been hugged or held close in loving arms. This is for the girl child who has no voice, only tears because no one hears her. I hear you and I am here for you.

As a woman, a mother, a wife, a student and a friend who resides in the US, there is a part of me that never left Kenya. There is a part of me that died when i boarded that airplane. That part came out of the ashes, sprung out like a wild lily when I became a mother. God entrusted my husband and I with 2 beautiful girls, and everyday when i look at them, I can't stop wondering why the Lord is so good to us. I can't stop wondering why us...whay us? I keep wondering why is it that there are millions of other little girls without a toilet to sit in, or a favorite song to sing or a a favorite toy. I picture those five shoeless toes covered in dust, the tattered dress that has turned brown due to filth, and i see that girl who sleeps hungry and waits for her turn tomorrow to eat - because it was her baby sister's turn to eat today. I look at my daughters and think how blessed I am. I look at them and realize that i was created to provide a loving, safe and fulfilling environment to the girls without. I was made to love and hold and hug those little girls without a song, without a dad and without a voice. I hear you girl, i feel you and I will always be here.

To the girl - child in Kenya who is learning to arise and be called blessed.
To the girl - child in Kenya who is dreaming of becoming a mentor, a judge, a lawyer or a police office. I applaud you!
To the girl - child who is still waiting for te day I will be a part of your life - like i was created to be - I feel you. I hear and I will see you soon.
I
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