If you want to know why Africa isn't flourishing as a continent, read "Eyes of Africa" by Victorine Ngangu. Ms. Ngangu details the issues of sanitation, medical care, education, and corruption in Africa, more specifically the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire).

According to Ms. Ngangu, Africa has a wealth of raw materials (diamonds, gold, chrome, platinum, and other minerals) and products that are simply being mismanaged by corrupt companies and governments. African governments allow foreign companies to come into their countries and essentially pillage their resources. The officials in the various government agencies receive some personal compensation at the expense of their country.

One of the most striking and shocking parts of "Eyes of Africa" was the corruption in the education system. Ms. Ngangu includes interviews with students who studied in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They detail instances of abuse and corruption. I had to reread some of the sections several times to try and comprehend to the level of corruption. Grades and exam scores are up for sale. If you don't have any money and are a female student you can sell your body for a good grade. This students detail how studying isn't required is you can pay for your grade or are willing to sleep with your professor. This corruption of the education system extends all the way through college and beyond.

This consequence of corruption in the education system means students are graduated with grades they did not earn through honest study and although these students have a degree, they really haven't learned anything except how corruption works.

I highly recommend "Eyes of Africa" for people who are just learning about Africa. "Eyes of Africa" is a quick read at 82 pages.

More Information: Title: Eyes Of Africa Author: Victorine Ngangu Publishing Company: Outskirt Press Number of Pages: 82 Reading Level: Original Publishing Date: 2008

A review copy of Eyes Of Africa sent by the author free of charge.