I had the same views about Africa like most of the non-Africans or those who never visited any country of Africa have, who believe, it is a continent full of poverty, diseases, crimes and corruption.  My outlook has completely changed after I visited this place thrice and got to stay there for 7 long months in my last stopover.  I sincerely apologize for my prior view about Africa, however I now simply adore this beautiful continent which I think, is the only (naturally) blessed continent of the world.  I feel lucky to get an opportunity of staying there and understanding the people and culture of Africa, which has left a deep impact on my heart. Not everyone is lucky to see what I have seen in Africa but to some extent one online group can help changing your pessimistic vision about Africa.

“The Africa They Never Show You” is a Facebook group with more than 150,000 members from all parts of the world. The group encourages its members, both Africans and non-Africans to come in concert on one single platform and discuss various issues related to Africa, the second largest continent of the world.  The International Media has always projected Africa more as a suffering continent apart from the fact, that Africa is also a happening place, a place full of life and a place which can compel you to visit itself again and again.

Richard Smith Obiri native of Ghana is the creator of “The Africa They Never Show You” has described this group “You’ve seen the images on TV about Africa: the huts, the famine, disease, wars and suffering but they never show you that Africa is beautiful, has happy people and that not every part and person in Africa is poor” Richard is the one who took initiative of making this virtual place to express his feelings and to show the Africa, he has seen all his life. Like Richard there are thousands of Africans hailing from different African countries who have joined this group making it a one and only virtual spot to discuss what’s going on in those 53 beautiful countries of Africa.

The Africa They Never Show You has many active members, who debate, discuss and even joke sometimes with each other, though the main purpose of this group initially, was to show the other side of Africa which is good, blissful and rich but today this group became one of the best online community of people who care about Africa and talk on every political, social and economical issues which helps them to get updated and to understand each other’s views broad mindedly.

Alan Gaya a Kenyan is a very active group member and also a good friend of mine, while talking with him about the group, I asked why did he joined this group?, Alan replied “My main motive and intention when joining the group was to link up with diverse people’s irrespective of race or any other societal difference, who have workable ideas and show a genuine concern about the plight of our continent. The Africa I believe am showing is one where its people are intelligent are well aware of the challenges that face Africa, solutions and our problems as Africans…all I all that they are Africans who are more than capable of addressing our problems and moving Africa ahead. I seek to also show that despite our differences as Africans together we can UNITE and forge ahead.”

There are many solicitous discussions running in the group. The one I loved reading was a discussion thread titled “Three Ways to Help Africa Reach Her Greatness in 2010” by an International writer and speaker Patricia Omoqui where she described the three main points, ‘Find your Passion’,’ Be a servant ‘and ‘Respect Others and Aim for excellence’ which earned many praise worthy replies by fellow group members. Patricia is also writing columns for one respected Nigerian News Paper Vanguard. Though Patricia is an American woman married to a Nigerian man but she is committed to the betterment of not only Nigeria but whole Africa. Patricia replied in the same discussion thread that “As I travel I see untapped potential everywhere I look. Africa’s progress is near to my heart”. This selfless love of Patricia for Africa inspires others in the group as well.

The group is full of activities and discussions, members sometimes play games, they even fight and then become friends again. They dream for success and they are adhering to a better today and best tomorrow. The Africa They Never Show You is just a small start by few thousands of people of the continent which has the long colonial history, military rule, lack of health awareness and crimes but this young 21^st century’s African generation is all ready to change the face of Africa as a destitute land to a fruitful land of hope and happiness. Facebook and other social media tool has become their way to bring a wave of new social reform.

Facebook group culture is not much popular like other social networks, although Africa They Never Show You is among few best facebook groups which are really doing something meaningful as an online community.

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