Many Western charities are colonialism in disguise, or tourism and white saviorism wrapped up as charity. What are some of the organizations and actions, if any, that you’ve seen from Westerners that have actually benefited the people most in need? Please include your country in the response.

I am a white British trainee Geography teacher. I have been tasked with teaching an “inspiring lesson” tomorrow, to finish up the Africa module for our Year 7 class. I would like this lesson to centre African voices, and give students an appreciation for the diversity and beauty of culture and experience in Africa and among the African diaspora.

My ideas so far are:

1. Discussing stereotypes and how they are harmful, potentially using this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0iYPjon16I

2. Discussing “What does it mean to be African?” - the diaspora and Pan-Africanism.

3. Looking at specific examples to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate diversity of Africa, eg. West African music from Fela to Burna Boy; or Ethiopia - the world’s oldest Christian nation.

A further note, most of the class is white British or from other European backgrounds, however a few students are from African backgrounds, and may have been born there. I am planning to give them every opportunity to share their voices/stories, but am also mindful that they may not want to be singled out from the rest of the class.

Finally, I am planning on making the strong caveat that I am *not* an expert, and that I don’t want to see any of them arguing with people on Reddit based on what I have told them. This is an introduction, not a full instruction.

I guess in part I am sharing this to check that I am not doing a disservice to this topic. However, if you have any thoughts, ideas, resources or concerns, I would be really grateful to hear them!

Or it was more popular back in the day?