As my ninth month in Kenya draws to a close, I'm more cognizant than ever of the narratives told about Kenya, refugees, humanitarian crises, and African conflict. Though the reality of these contexts is often quite grim and though the answers to how to support those in crisis never come easily or from the right people, it's not all doom and gloom. Positive, uplifting narratives that genuinely represent the voices of those living in these context are hardly written about and rarely make a dent on the Facebook news-feed circuit. Does that mean there isn't happiness, joy, hope and positivity in conflict and crisis situations? Certainly not. It frustrates me that the most common, and almost only, happy image Westerners have of 'Africa' is of a bunch of dusty schoolchildren smiling in some aid worker's or volunteer's selfie. This, coupled with the constantly negative press and travel alerts, warnings, and cautions that I see daily, tells a static and one-dimensional narrative of what the day-to-day complexities are of such a diverse, complicated, and vibrant place as this. So, I first recommend reading this article about education and opportunity in Dadaab refugee complex, which is on the Somali border and is the largest refugee camp in the world. Second, if you're on Instagram follow Everyday Africa, which posts snapshots of daily life from around the continent. Last, check up on Think Africa Press, which hosts a variety of narratives, perspectives, critiques and thoughts to all things Africa.
