And now for some Good News from Africa .......

Poverty rates throughout the African continent have been falling steadily, and much faster than previously thought, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.

The death rate of children under five years of age is dropping, with “clear evidence of accelerating rates of decline,” according to The Lancet.

Perhaps most encouragingly, Africa is “among the world’s most rapidly growing economic regions.” 

May 12 is Mothers' Day - Part lll

Here is a wonderful example of a doll of the Ashante from Ghana, known as "Aku'aba".

There are many variations of this doll, both in size and appearance. However, all incorporate the disc-shaped head.

Many examples also display a post-like body, neck rings and attenuated arms.

The Ashante society is matrilineal, so succession is through the female line of the family. Surely a cause for Mothers' Day celebration.

Here is a selection -

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=6

Before You Throw It Away .......

We stock these lovely Bracelets, made in West Africa, from Recycled Plastic Packaging.

We also carry a range of Jewellery and Basketware, some made from Electrical Wire, some from Waste Paper and some from Recycled Plastic.

Africans are infinitely resourceful and inventive, and re-use materials over and over, to great effect.

Next time you stare into your waste bin, just think how much you need not throw away!

Have a look for yourself:

http://www.justafrica.com.au/product.asp?categoryID=22&productID=2213&catpage=2

http://www.justafrica.com.au/product.asp?categoryID=23&productID=2055&catpage=2

http://www.justafrica.com.au/product.asp?categoryID=24&productID=1187&catpage=3

Love that FairTrade Chocolate

If you enjoy your Cocoa or Chocolate, you'll get far more enjoyment when you buy FairTrade products, because you will know that the Producer is getting a better deal.

FairTrade enables smaller growers to reap greater benefits from their crops by being paid properly.

It provides them with greater security, and an incentive for the future, to keep their livelihoods and prosper.

Here is a magnificent carved wood panel, over a metre in width. It comes from Ghana, West Africa, and shows the many processes of the Cocoa harvest in full swing.

Just Africa is committed to FairTrade principles.

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted during its 62nd session in New York City on 13 September 2007.

The UN describes it as –

… "an important standard for the treatment of indigenous people, that will undoubtedly be a significant tool towards eliminating human rights violations, and assist in combating discrimination and marginalization."

It is estimated that indigenous people number 370 million across the world.

Here is a selection of the traditional work of some of these people:

http://www.justafrica.com.au

Text courtesy of http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

The Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery

The Abolition of Slavery Act

By 1783, an Anti-Slavery movement to abolish the Slave Trade throughout the Empire had begun among the British public.

In 1785, the English poet William Cowper wrote:

"We have no slaves at home – Then why abroad? Slaves cannot breathe in England; if their lungs receive our air, that moment they are free. They touch our country, and their shackles fall. That's noble, and bespeaks a nation proud. And jealous of the blessing. Spread it then, And let it circulate through every vein."

In fact, Slavery was officially abolished in most of the British Empire on 1 August 1834.

The Royal Assent to the Bill was given on 28 August 1833, making it law.

Image and text courtesy of -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_Abolition_Act_1833http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_Abolition_Act_1833

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BLAKE10.JPG

My Very Popular Friend .....

Bon Jour! Last time my good friend introduced himself, and invited you to visit him.

He is now very popular, so I thought I would follow his example.

I am a photographer, and I live at Just Africa.

As you see, I always have my camera with me. You never know when a Photo Opportunity will arise.

You can see my work on the website. I think it is very good.

I take all kinds of photos. See some of my portfolio for yourself here:

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=23





New Arrivals - Market Baskets

To see more click here

New Arrivals - Baskets

Market Baskets from Ghana

To see more, click here

New Arrivals - Baskets

Market Baskets from Ghana 

To see more, click here

World Cup Competition - WIN a Fair Trade Jinta Sports soccer ball worth $37.50!

The 2010 World Cup, featuring teams from Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, of course Australia, starts today!

Click on the image below for your chance to win a Fair Trade Jinta Sports soccer ball worth $37.50!