Africa is changing and many in the west have not caught on yet.
When Nancy and I first visited Kenya, I was prepared for the stereotypical Africa of swollen bellies and flies-in-the-eyes children. Instead I found bright, fun loving, engaging and loving youngsters who thirst for knowledge and advancement. I found newspapers filled with fiery editorials condemning and praising contemporary institutions and government. People are engaged and excited that Africa is finally moving forward.
Fareed Zakaria, in a recent article in Newsweek, points out that in 2007, 37 countries in Africa were growing at 4% per year or more. 34 countries are classified by Freedom House as "free" or "partly free". Africa is on the move.
Africa does not want our pity. They want our respect. They want to be our partner. Dambisa Moyo, a Zambian economist, said recently "Aid must do things that wean people off aid - if not, aid is a failure. " Google and Microsoft have recently opened offices in Nairobi not because they feel sorry for Kenya. They see there is a buck to be made.
I am more convinced than ever that by helping to accelerate education, we are playing a small role in one of the tectonic shifts of our time.
When Nancy and I first visited Kenya, I was prepared for the stereotypical Africa of swollen bellies and flies-in-the-eyes children. Instead I found bright, fun loving, engaging and loving youngsters who thirst for knowledge and advancement. I found newspapers filled with fiery editorials condemning and praising contemporary institutions and government. People are engaged and excited that Africa is finally moving forward.
Fareed Zakaria, in a recent article in Newsweek, points out that in 2007, 37 countries in Africa were growing at 4% per year or more. 34 countries are classified by Freedom House as "free" or "partly free". Africa is on the move.
Africa does not want our pity. They want our respect. They want to be our partner. Dambisa Moyo, a Zambian economist, said recently "Aid must do things that wean people off aid - if not, aid is a failure. " Google and Microsoft have recently opened offices in Nairobi not because they feel sorry for Kenya. They see there is a buck to be made.
I am more convinced than ever that by helping to accelerate education, we are playing a small role in one of the tectonic shifts of our time.
Labels: African Development
