Why Africa

Africa belongs to the so-called “Third World”, but is in fact part of the same world as the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, or wherever you come from. However, the difference in living standards and opportunities is so enormous that it is hard to comprehend when living in a developed country.

Africa’s 800 million people constitute more than a thousand tribes, each with its own history, language and culture. They live in fifty three independent countries with borders drawn by colonial powers. Thus each country typically consists of a colorful mix of cultures. Independent Africa began after the second world war. Ghana was the first country to gain independence in 1957. The process was completed in 1990 when Namibia, the last colony, gained independence. So the “New Africa” is young and facing huge change and transformation.
Often the images we get of Africa are those of endless doubts about
Africa’s resolve, intention and capacity. However, the truth is that all
over the continent, even in the most extreme of circumstances, Africans
are engaged in endless numbers of initiatives and projects and programs
to enhance life and improve living conditions. The truth is also that the
people of Africa have a lot to cope with. Africa is the poorest continent in the world.

It is a continent that has suffered a history of underdevelopment:
slave trade, colonization, apartheid, war and more; currently a continent that is hardest hit by the worst epidemic in human history, HIV/AIDS. More than half of the population lives on less than a dollar a day and the number of People living in extreme poverty is growing. Facts and figures out of Africa can be depressing, however behind the figures there are human lives; people who, with a unique social network, reach out to care for each other, using all available resources to make the best out of life. Getting to know these people, working alongside them, and creating development together, you realize their strengths and know there is hope. The people of Africa have a huge capacity to cope and a strong will to make things better, but they need assistance from fellow human beings who have surplus - assistance in the form of skills and knowledge so they can expand their capacity, resources and money, and the encouragement and energy it gives to work side by side in solidarity with someone who cares.
This is not about charity. People in Africa do not need charity. It is about human dignity and every human being’s right to live, grow, and fulfill his/her potential.
The Development Instructor Program offers a unique possibility for you
to get involved and be a part of creating development together with the
people of Africa.