I am soooooooo pleased that someone is now talking of the images potraying Africa as a dead continent needing help. I have visited many developed countries and am so saddened by the images used to solicite for funds by bigger institutions. From a very small voice, I have made my feelings and disagreements known, which have not gone down very well with many.
 
I was very surprised by what I found out during my visit to some of the learning institutions in the "developed world". When I interacted with the pupils and students, they had a very, very negative picture of Africa. To them, Africa is so poor that they cannot imagine there are airports, cars, big buildings, planes, good clothes etc. One of my friends cannot come to Africa because she has a phobia of animals. From when she was a child, she was made to believe that Africans live in forests with animals, eat dirty foods with flies, don't shower, don't wear clothes, etc etc.
 
The power esteem by the western countries will never change if their children grow up knowing that they have to work to assist Africa. The price Africa is paying due to these images is too big for the benefit of a few. A policy should be developed on what kind of images should be used.
 
Did you know that in the UK, you cannot just take photographs of children and use them in your materials? Why can't this apply in Africa and Asia?
 
You have made my day. Thank you very much.