"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Muriel Strode
This blog is not just about being able to read and write. Its about raising a real awareness to the value of reading, and being able to read a wide variety of books, magazines and newspaper articles. Such broad based reading is the only way we can challenge and inspire our people to become broad minded, independent, critical, analytical and creative thinkers and writers.
The developed world arena today is abundant with innovative creative writers and authors that are constantly redefining the way thoughts and ideas are communicated through the use of language that Africa simply just can't afford to be left out of this league anymore.
The luck of this awareness has left Africa with the least number of creative writers and authors, despite the fact that Africa has such diverse culture and natural beauty, let alone, being the cradle of Mankind!
Every prosperous and developed nation in the world today, has a national reading and writing campaign. Its one of the easiest and least expensive program for any government to run. The return on money put into such a program is immeasurable! Unfortunately, African leaders are the last ones to catch on with this idea as in so many other endeavors. Governments instead continue to impose draconian censorship and freedom of speech laws that hinder independent creative thinkers and writers. This is the prescription for the palpable poor reading, writing and communication skills in Africa.
If African leaders were ever called upon in a High Court for their sins of Omission, one of the first questions would be: "Why haven't you started national reading and writing awareness campaigns?
The value of reading and writing awareness correlates to a nations level of success and achievement in every endeavor that make a nation prosper or stagnate.
Even though, most of Africa is still poor and struggling, it too has its own human unwritten dramas of dreams and aspirations that are universal; with anectodes and narratives that can have their own epic cliffhangers, surprises and touching revelations of the traditional African spirit.
Many Africans have nurtured strength of spirit that somehow shields them from all the misfortunes they have to endure just to survive.
Being at the bottom of the developed worlds ladder may be a blessing in disguise for Africa, because from this position (with some will power!) Africa's potential has no where to go but up!
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