Africa

We want to share with you just a few of the things we've been learning in our African-preparation trainings that we've found quite interesting.  Africa is the 2nd biggest continent and has the most amount of countries of any continent.  All of the African counties are very unique and diverse, just like the different countries of the Caribbean.  It's incorrect just to clump them all together and make generalizations.  In some ways, the Caribbean and Africa are very similar -- for instance, the people are very warm, friendly, welcoming and hospitable. 

One piece of advice we were given as Westerns is the importance of partnering with the people -- not coming in and starting to offer advice and solutions.  We want to partner with the Africans and together, make a difference.  Another great thing we learned is that the Africans are VERY people-orientated, so relationships are very important.  We can't just come in and do programs and activities, we need to spend time with the people, building relationship and trust.  Also, as Westerners, it easy to think of Africans as "poor."  But what do we really mean by that?  Yes, they may not have lots of cash readily available, but the fact most Africans have food and a place to sleep makes them rich in many ways.  We need to change our view of thinking of poverty.

Here's a couple of statistics that might blow your mind -- Over 70% of the continent's population is young people and the average age is 17.  One-third of Africans don't get enough to eat.  Eight out of ten of the poorest counties in the world are in Africa. 
 
There is so much more, but I'll leave you with that for now.  :)