African Similarities: A Guest Blog from Afi Daitey

Closer than Perceived: Similarities between North and Sub-Saharan Africa

As we move further into the 21^st century there are more stories of Africa’s emerging economies, increasing middle class and improvement in access to basic education. While incidents of conflict, hunger and distress still populate the media; Africa is no longer being inaccurately portrayed as the “hopeless continent”. If you’ve taken a minute to read my bio, you may have noticed my interest in the relationships between the entire African continent. Our trip to Morocco offered a perfect opportunity to explore those connections. 

Educational similarities

Most African countries encounter difficulties when dealing with the issue of language and Morocco is different. During our meeting with the curriculum department, the director of curriculum compared Morocco’s struggle with language of instruction to that of South Africa. How can bi-lingual education work in the context of African countries? How long should the mother tongue be taught to ensure the best academic opportunities? Are local languages an issue of passion or practicality? To a large degree the issue of language is a result of colonialism and African countries must find a way to deal with the lingering effects.

Sister Cities Africa

On Wednesday, January 11^th, we were afforded the opportunity to meet with Mr. Mazoz, President and Founder of Sister Cities Africa. In his presentation he defined the objectives of Sister Cities Africa as, “creating a platform which encourages partnerships among African cities themselves and between African and American cities. Our main goal is to reduce the gap between the North and South and engage in mutual cultural understanding and appreciation.” His hard work was also responsible for the creation of the Sidi Moumen Cultural Center. Not only was I impressed with his life’s work but the fact that (our) Rita was the former publicity director for Sister Cities Africa!

At the end of Mr. Mazoz’s presentation on the work of Sister Cities Africa I got an opportunity to speak with him about what he considered similarities between countries on the continent. While he was quick to tell me that a much longer conversation was needed to discuss the many similarities, he did provide a few jewels: wisdom (and respect) of the elders, abundance of natural resources, importance of holding the family together and significance of traditional values.

One of my favorite similarities is the value and support of the extended family. It is very common for a child to stay with parents (or other extended family) into their late 20’s and even 30’s. There isn’t the same rush to step out on one’s own until the child is ready to make that move. The parents and grandparents can expect the same support in return, as it is very common for elder family members to live with their children instead of at a nursing home.

Mr. Mazoz

21^st century Africa

On Friday, January 13^th, Brain, Rita and I attend Sister Cities Africa’s 1^st Regional Conference. At this conference, there were representatives from East, North and West Africa. During the panel we attended, I noticed one theme: the need to rely more on neighboring countries on the continent. While it was clear that immense value lies in relationships between U.S. and African cities, there was a new push for relationships between cities on the continent.

We often hear of stark differences between Sub-Saharan and North Africa. There is no doubt that real distinctions exist, however there are many more things in common outside of the fact that the two regions shares the same continent. This piece is in no way an exhaustive list--as I am no expert--but as an Africanist, I looked for opportunities to connect us rather than separate. Based on the open and caring nature of the people of Morocco, I believe that we will see more opportunities for the entire continent to celebrate their similarities and opportunity to rise together in the 21^st century.  

At the conference.