Beyond the Bad News

“Violence in southern Sudan has escalated to its highest levels since 2005”
“Darfur violence becoming a forgotten war”
“Rains, violence leave Somali kids hungry”
“Al Qaeda claims aid worker kidnappings”
“Somalia graduation ceremony blast kills 23”

Looking at the headlines, it is easy to become overwhelmed at the over-abundance of “bad news” eminating from various parts of the African continent. Headlines and lead-ins from this past week such as those above, too often support the notion that "all is lost" in Africa -- that there is no hope for those who are trapped by overwhelming poverty & despair.

But amidst the struggles Africans continue to endure, there really is just as much good news as bad -- stories and headlines of those who have broken the image of the starving child or the emaciated, grief-stricken mother.

“War zone to Serengeti” (http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/12/06/sudan.national.parks/index.html)
“Emmanuel” (http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/11/23/emmanuel.jal/index.html)
“Showing Africa’s Best” (http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/11/09/james.makawa/index.html)
“Femi Kuti” (http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/10/26/african.voices.femi.kuti/index.html)
“Malawian Boy Brings Hope” (http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/11/03/malawi.wind.boy/index.html)

Clicking on a few of the above links may provide a more balanced view of the hope that is Africa’s!