I liked the idea of a child's alphabet book being called 'A for AIDS' ... the story is of a spooky, red comma shaped HIV virus which chases the children through the book as they learn both the alphabet and about preventing the spread of the disease !
These two were for me ! I have found oral history and stories within families fascinating whilst researching my own family history. The oral tradition is so important, although family stories (in my case anyway) are often only half truths, but there is always some truth in them - its just a question of interpretation !
Every time I have been to Africa I have urged people there to preserve their old stories, legends and games, for once lost, they are gone for ever, and have lots to teach even in modern times. Thankfully they are now being gathered by researchers, but are getting rarer in the family context.
However, I was very pleased to see two little girls playing what must be ancient string games, just as I had as a child ... and the same game, here in the heart of Africa ! The photo is cut from a video I made of them, so I'm afraid not as sharp or clear as I would wish ...
