By Betty Press

 

“From all the fish in the pot you can only make one soup.” African proverb

African women work very hard. They take care of the children and the home as well as help earn an income for the family. These women buy fish caught by the local fisherman in the Niger River and make fish oil to sell in the market.
Massina , Mali

 

25“Brains are like hair; everyone has his own.” Swahili proverb

Women in Mali have a sophisticated sense of fashion, particularly in terms of their clothes and hairstyles. The cheapest place to have their hair done is in the open-air market where a large covered stall is devoted to this trade. Elaborate hairdos that involve braiding artificial hair into the real hair can take hours. The women make themselves comfortable, along with their children, on a straw mat and leave the work up to the hair stylist.
Bamako, Mali

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“The one who makes an effort is the one who merits help.” Kenyan proverb

I met Caleb Okoth while doing some photography for Trickle-up, a charity specializing in grass roots development. He was given a grant of $100 in two installments to help start a business which would in increase the family’s income in a sustainable way. He used the grant to build a chicken house and raise chickens so he could sell the eggs. Kisumu , Kenya

“The town is a barren wilderness to one who is unhappy in one’s home life.” Nigerian proverb

Abidjan is a busy urban center filled with shops, high-rise banks, and government offices. The cocoa boom created a lot of wealth for the country. The cocoa market is not as strong now and political change has brought hard times.
Abidjan , Ivory Coast

“Knowledge is better than riches.” Cameroon proverb

This is a typical community school located in the eastern region of Nigeria . Classes tend to be large with children crowded into simple wooden desks. Children are required to wear school uniforms. They are well behaved and attentive in their classes. Education is highly prized and families work hard pay the school and uniform fees so that their children can attend school.
Enugu , Nigeria

“Earth is but a marketplace , heaven is home.” Nigerian proverb

Open-air markets such as this one in Lomé are some of the most colorful and dynamic places to visit in any African city. Its fabric market is one of the best in West Africa . Women traders specializing in this trade have become rich and powerful. Vendors in stalls compete with ambulant sellers who roam the market selling their goods.
Lomé , Togo

“A religious person is never overcome .” Kenyan proverb

Many Africans have started their own churches which feature a blend of Christianity and traditional religion. This one was called The African Church of the Holy Spirit. During the service there was ecstatic dancing and talking in tongues. Members would wear a kind of uniform so people could easily identify them with their church. While living in Kenya , I spent many Sundays visiting and photographing these independent churches.
Nairobi , Kenya

“No matter how long the night, the day is sure to come.” Congo proverb

This was a very exciting day to be in Asmara because Eritrea had just received their independence from Ethiopia after a long civil war. All Eritreans were celebrating by dancing in the streets. As we toured the city at the end of the day I happened to see a group of children coming over a hill. They, too, were celebrating. A new moon was rising in the sky and it looked like the boys were dancing on the edge of the earth.
Asmara , Eritrea

 

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