[ad_1]
"Because Africa is such a bad place, why are so many non-Africans moving around and doing all they can to stay longer?"
It was a question that was put to me informally a few weeks ago. At first, I laughed in the head while enjoying a disturbance that gave me time to think about a coherent answer.
The question is not only logical, it also helps to put into perspective a rich question of reflection.
There are different types of non-Africans living on the continent:
1. People working with organizations that have posted them in the area and intend to leave as soon as possible.
2. Those who work with organizations that have posted them in the region and will do everything in their power to stay longer in their current position or to move to another African country.
3. People / families who have taken a break or have left life in their country of origin to go to Africa. Some may return home to retire, while others plan to spend the rest of their lives on the continent.
People in categories two and three are those for whom my friend's question is the most relevant.
After some research, I realized that the question had been asked in the context of complaints, grievances and criticisms addressed to many African countries, indeed to all. It seems that the most popular complaints concern the following beliefs:
– corruption is high;
– The educational level of most Africans is below average;
– Too many streets are lined with potholes;
– African politics is messy and unpredictable;
– The rules are constantly changing for many aspects of life.
– Personal security is worrying.
– Access to quality education is a coincidence.
– Access to a variety of foods is limited in some countries.
While some of the complaints are legitimate, others are somewhat exaggerated, but none seems to deter the growing number of foreigners growing on the continent.
It is not the colonial era when the influx into Africa was mainly to conquer, explore and convert. Not at all. The conquest is already behind us and stakes have already been claimed for all areas to explore: minerals, oil and other delights.
In terms of conversion to Christianity, most of the work in this department is well advanced. So what is the draw for the so-called "black continent"?
In polite society, we often discuss the difficult life and bad weather in Africa. It's such a common conversation that when I talk about the wonderful weather in Rwanda, there are those who look at me in disbelief until they visit and see for themselves.
Could the answer to the question be that many of us travel to Africa and realize that in many countries the quality of life is higher than that of many European or North American countries? Could it be that the heart of the African people and the sense of possibilities exceeds the imaginable possibilities? Could it be that aboriginal people are nowhere as scary as on our television screens and social media?
Apart from very often not having access to many of the things that make our lives simpler and more decadent, life in many African countries is wonderful for a stranger.
For example, at home (for many strangers), there is no one to clean, cook, shop and look after children. In Africa, it is possible to pay staff to perform all these tasks and more.
Want to go to a party that will be late? Do not worry when you live on the mainland because the cost of a nanny is not prohibitive.
Too busy to walk your dog?
Do not worry, because an hour of walking your dog is the cost of your coffee at Starbucks. And the jackpot is when African life takes you to a country where systems work, corruption is low, personal security is not a problem, roads are paved and the weather is good.
Imagine this life in a bigger house that you can never dream of having in the West. While looking from your porch towards the green hills.
Life in Africa is not bad at all for us, strangers. Let's return the favor by being kind, grateful and attentive.
Twitter: @NatsCR
The opinions expressed in this article are from the author.
Source link
