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.” 

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

Attention!



Here is a good example of an older 'Colon' or colonial Figure.

It represents a 'General de Brigade' or Brigade General, of the 'Tirailleurs Senegalaise', a militia raised from West Africans in the old colonial period.

These soldiers fought alongside French troops in World War 1 and World War 2 with great distinction.

This authentic figure has some marks of wear and age.

See more -

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=6&page=2

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

The Contemporary Designer Baskets from Senegal are back.

In the nation of Senegal, West Africa, women are creating a new style of basket to suit contemporary designer interiors.

Using strips of recycled plastic and sustainable natural materials has resulted in a subtle merging of modern and traditional.

These baskets not only look good: they are both robust and durable too.

Find a selection here:

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=23&page=2

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





Bon Jour. We are here from Senegal.......

Hello. I have come to Just Africa in Melbourne from West Africa. My colleagues and I welcome you to visit us in the store.

We have also been invited to appear on the website, so, "voila!", we can be in two places at the same time. 

My friends come from all walks of life: supervisors, soldiers, game rangers, clerks, photographers etc.

We like to dress well. Personally, I always wear a tie. It presents a good appearance, and gives an air of confidence.

Do come and see us. We are waiting. 

This is where we are waiting -

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



New Arrivals - Baskets from Senegal

In the nation of Senegal, West Africa, women are creating a new style of basket to suit contemporary designer interiors, using indigenous grass and strips of recycled plastic. The result is a beautiful, subtle merging of modern materials and traditional weaving skills. To see more, click here