Children of Africa: A Photographic Journey created itself. The idea came spontaneously, as my wife, Heather, and I perused thousands of photographs from our trips to Africa. We noticed they were predominantly of children. I also wanted to write a non-academic book and thought perhaps a photo-journal book would be an easier first attempt. Boy, was I wrong. As we were self-publishing, I began to learn about the book business — from muzzle to butt plate. I hired a wonderful editor, Nancy Dolan, and hooked up with friends who were connected to the book world. It was a group effort after that.
Of our several trips to Africa, 2013’s train trip from Cape Town, South Africa to Dar es Saalam, Tanzania, was the only time we consciously took children-centric photographs. Indeed many of the photos were taken through train windows. We used SLR cameras and even point-and-shoots and want to be clear we are most definitely amateur photographers.
Proceeds from the book will go to the Mende Nazer Foundation. Ms Nazer was abducted and enslaved from a village near where I lived in Dilling, Sudan, when I served as a UN military observer. She wrote the highly successful book Slave, which details her abduction, slavery and ultimate escape. Ms Nazer and her supporters subsequently founded the foundation headquartered in Germany, which raises funds to educate Nuba girls and women who live on the north-south Sudanese border. The abduction and slavery of Sudanese girls is a tragic and on-going problem in both Sudans.
We have sold approximately a hundred copies, many of them sold to teachers. Subsequent printings will show how to use the book in a classroom and provide access to lesson plans available at commondawg.com.
The people of Africa need help from the developed world that’s us. Writing a cheque is one way to help, but consider others as well. Children of Africa: A Photographic Journey is available at www.abebooks.com and amazon.ca
