HAPPINESS MADE IN AFRICA

Amid poverty and medical crimes, Africans are naturally healthy and happy. A locally made clay pool board in a village

It may be likely that many doubt if, at all, there is happiness in Africa, because, among all the continents, Africa has suffered all kinds of internal and external atrocities, including slavery, colonial aggression, wars, ethnic conflicts, and medical crimes, such as Aids, Lassa fever, and Ebola.

There is probably more happiness in Africa than in any other continent on the earth. Why would I make such an assumption when I haven’t carried out any research?

The reason is simple and logical. Among all the seven continents in the world, Africa is regarded as the poorest, but it has the lowest suicide rate, compared to Europe and America.

 

The challenges Africans face right from birth to adulthood can be compared to the training amateur soldiers have in the developed world.

Some rural students could walk over a mile to school. Some pupils carry their tables and chairs to school and bring them back home after classes. With such a hard daily life routine, Africans have grown to be one of the toughest creatures able to withstand pressures and problems.

To pursue their happiness, there are many ways African youths and children seek that happiness, to avoid depression and boredom. Some craft football with local materials, make musical instruments out of wood and plastic materials, while others invent many incredible things which never appear in the newspapers.

As technology takes its impact on development, Africa is also gradually influenced by technology, including remote and rural areas. Communication is now flexible due to mobile phones. Wells are giving way to projects of pipe-borne water, and digital or online marketing is improving.

The development of Africa is generally slow, but we have confidence that, gradually, we shall also reach the top of the mountain that many have already reached.

2005, A YEAR OF HOPE AFTER THE TSUNAMI

Some of the survivors after the tsunami


Within a relatively short period between January 1st and December 31, 2004, thousands of people worldwide experienced many ups and downs, ranging from social problems to natural disasters. 


As a matter of fact, the year 2004 was not all that amusing or a happy year for many people. 

The ongoing war in Iraq, ethnic conflicts, and rebel activities in Africa have claimed thousands of lives, including children, and the lucky ones who miraculously survived the carnage suddenly become orphans because their parents have been killed.

Just as the year is coming to an end, a natural disaster, "Tsunamis" which has never been recorded in history, hit Asia, claiming over 120,000 lives, injuring scores on its deadly path, and rendering thousands of people homeless.

Life is said to be a delicate balance between planned activities and unexpected circumstances. That doesn't mean that one has to give up in times of crisis. 

Since the year 2004 is gone forever, all our troubles should be buried with it, since the constant thinking of past problems could sometimes act as a stumbling block to our progress.

As the new year arrives, what are our hopes and expectations? Through God, faith, and positive thinking, our hopes and dreams could be a reality. 

As individuals, we must put behind religious conflicts and live in peace to work together to make the year 2005 a prosperous and happy year for all.