Tag: Africa
In South Africa, funny hats mark boys' circumcision, transition to manhood
South African tribes have long had traditions with respect to circumcising their men -- typically happening around their 18th birthday. And while more organizations are criticizing the timing and methodology, if not the practice entirely, the tribal groups hold firm to their customs....
Photographer captures images of movie sets preserved in African desert sands
Star Wars is set in North Africa. Not in the movie sense, of course, but the sets were filmed there. And, in many cases, once filming had wrapped, the sets stayed. And stayed. And they're still there. One photographer recently captured the well-preserved relics in North African deserts....
South African students face real danger in simply getting to school each day
South Africa's COSAT school is widely regarded for the success it's had moving its students out of poverty. But it's not immune to some of the other problems of South Africa. As students walk to school each day, they run the risks of being abused, physically, by thugs....
Tour guide recalls African river journey that included time in hippo's mouth
It happened in a blink. A tour guide was in the water, another guide went in after him and then the second man wound up in the mouth of a hippo. It happened some 17 years ago, but the memories are still fresh for Paul Templer....
Climate change a persistent threat to Maasai's traditional way of life
Kenya's Maasai people have a distinct culture — distinct clothes and and habits that make them stand out among people. But that historic way of life is threatened by climate change, making their traditional lifestyle increasingly untenable....
In Sudan, women moving to shed pounds as ideal body image changes
It's been Sudanese tradition for generations to encourage women to weigh as much as possible when they marry. But, as the importance of health, and the impact of obesity on health, has become more apparent, and as global images of women have become more prevalent, that's all starting to change....
No Excuses: Year begins at ascendant science-focused school in South Africa
The best way out of poverty for students in urban South Africa is to get an education. One school in the bustling city of Cape Town has developed a system that's generated graduation rates of virtually 100 percent. But it's been tough. And it's getting tougher....
Book 'Ghana Must Go' explores the lives of Afropolitans
Drawing from her own family's experiences, author Tayi Selasi's first novel follows a family's journey of leaving its former home and life behind for a new land. Though her novel is a story of immigration, the stories are primarily focused on the emotional lives of these characters....
Musicologist collects Saharan music with cellphones
Traveling from the U.S. west coast to West Africa, a Portland-based musicologist set out to record traditional guitar music. But once he arrived, he discovered a specific cell phone technology had become a major component of the Saharan music culture....
Ethiopia's economy benefiting from emigrants returning home
Ethiopia saw a number of its people leave the country decades ago, when a communist government took power. Now, with the country having achieved stability, and the country trending upward, many emigrants are returning home. And they're bringing business and economic success with them....
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