Our Africa blog
This is a collection of reflections on the experience of getting children across Africa to film their own versions of their lives and country.
‘Our Africa’ is an ambitious project which sets out to let children across Africa film their lives the way they see them.
Our teams have been travelling throughout Africa to capture children’s thoughts, opinions and ideas to present a new perspective on Africa through their own eyes.
More than 23,000 children are growing up in SOS families in 45 countries across Africa where we have worked for the past 40 years – so their local communities seemed like a good springboard for the project.
In ‘Our Africa’, you can see children talk about what matters most to them – from games they play; to aspirations they have for jobs; to how they would like things changed fundamentally in their societies.
Here, we’ve captured some of the behind-the-scenes moments and experiences that contributed to the ‘Making of Our Africa’:
Cameroon: Personal Touch
May 18, 2012 12:15 PM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Kathie Neal reflects on her time spent on location in Cameroon for ‘Our Africa’. Here, she shares how she was deeply touched by a special welcome gift and other experiences she had in Cameroon that will stay with her forever.
‘Our Africa’ is creating a stir
May 15, 2012 11:17 AM
Lucy Patterson, Marketing Editor for the 'Our Africa' project, reflects on the recent successes of the online educational resource.
Namibia: "Proud of their country"
Jan 16, 2012 10:10 AM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Kevin Philemon reflects on his time spent in Namibia with the chief reporters of 'Our Africa', where peace and quiet combine with an optimistic outlook.
Mozambique: A land full of surprises
Jan 04, 2012 01:54 PM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Natasha Tate reflects on her time spent in Mozambique with the chief reporters of 'Our Africa', where sweltering temperatures lead to a completely different way of life.
Kenya: “A hundred thousand tonnes of roses”
Dec 05, 2011 03:58 PM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Kathie Neal reflects on her time spent in Kenya, during the week of Valentine's day, when she and chief reporter Victor found out about the lengths Kenyan flower growers go to, to provide roses to foreign markets.
Zimbabwe: ‘The one who roasts’
Dec 02, 2011 10:30 AM
Zimbabwe is the latest country to be visited for 'Our Africa': Natasha Tate experiences an SOS Family Strengthening Programme first-hand at a peanut butter business in Zimbabwe.
Morocco: “Enid Blyton – a global favourite!”
Nov 17, 2011 12:09 PM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Kathie Neal reflects on her time spent on location in Morocco for ‘Our Africa’. Here, she tells us how she happened upon two school girls reading Enid Blyton in both Arabic and French.
Mali: “Music from vegetables”
Nov 17, 2011 11:00 AM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Kathie Neal reflects on her time spent on location in Mali for ‘Our Africa’. Here, she tells how she stumbled upon an every day scene which will stay with her forever.
Sudan: ‘I dream of a brighter future for my country’
Nov 07, 2011 03:50 PM
Venus Gorashe, 22, has been involved in editing films of her home country of Sudan for the ‘Our Africa’ project. She is currently living in Cambridge after leaving the Al-droushab area of Khartoum three years ago.
Ethiopia: 'Ethiopia changed my perception of Africa!'
Nov 01, 2011 12:08 PM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Kevin Philemon reflects on his time spent on location in Ethiopia for ‘Our Africa’. He explains how Ethiopia changed his view of Africa
Ivory Coast “Everything is edible”
Oct 12, 2011 03:25 PM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Kathie Neal reflects on her time spent on location in the Ivory Coast for ‘Our Africa’. Here, she relays her experience of eating some very unusual delicacies!
Rwanda: 'Never again'
Oct 04, 2011 10:30 AM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Peter Law reflects on his time spent on location in Rwanda for ‘Our Africa’. He tells the story of Marie and Rosette, two extraordinary women from Rwanda.
Ghana: “What choice for your farewell?”
Sep 23, 2011 03:15 PM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Kathie Neal reflects on her time spent on location in Ghana for ‘Our Africa’. Here, she tells us how some Ghanaians choose to be buried in rather elaborate coffins!
Uganda: A quick hop across to Entebbe
Sep 21, 2011 04:50 PM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Peter Law reflects on his journey to Uganda for ‘Our Africa’.
Botswana: “Traditional and modern side by side”
Sep 16, 2011 03:40 PM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Kathie Neal reflects on her time spent on location in Botswana for ‘Our Africa’. Here, she explains how the ultra modern co-exists perfectly with ancient traditions and lifestyles.
Zambia: Capturing a reunion
Aug 03, 2011 02:30 PM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Peter Law reflects on his time spent on location in Zambia for ‘Our Africa’. Here, he shares with us the moment a child and her grandmother were reunited after many years.
Malawi: Initiation ceremonies
Jul 15, 2011 09:30 AM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: Peter Law reflects on his time spent on location in Malawi for ‘Our Africa’. Here, he tells us how he stumbled upon an initiation ceremony in a local community...
South Africa: “Mandela – he’s my hero!”
Jul 15, 2011 09:30 AM
'Our Africa' behind the scenes: On location in South Africa, Peter Law finds out what Nelson Mandela means to young South Africans.
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