Obama's great speech

President Obama’s speech on the State of the Union is inspired by a progressive outlook and modernity. It is highly advisable to read it carefully. It is a great lesson on politics and public speech. The style is direct and conversational. It has a strong human touch, with several references to real people. And above all, it proposes a number of directions and this is the trademark of a leader: to set the ambition!

Its references to clean cars that will move on alternative fuels, not on oil, to women’s rights and full empowerment, to the need to stop the violence against women,  and also the observations about development co-operation are remarkable paragraphs in a statement that is full of extraordinary reflections.  

Fashion, peace and love

Copyright V.Ângelo

Peace and love are back in Sierra Leone, West Africa. And the fashion houses, like this one in Makeni, the headquarters town of the Northern Province, are pretty busy. Creativity is part of building a more democratic and stable society and country.

Sierra Leone and the international community have a major challenge: the fashion of peace needs deeper roots. The dividends of peace are yet to fully marry the democratic dispensation.

Protecting refugee children

Copyright V.Angelo


Darfuri children in Eastern Chad need protection against violence, forced recruitments into armed groups and very harsh living conditions. They also need the Sudanese education ministry to accept and recognise the academic degrees obtained by the school children in the refugee camps. As such, once they are back in Sudan, after a peace process, their qualifications for a better life are fully accepted.

Camels and the cellphone tower

Copyright V. Angelo

This is the new Africa: Old markets, in the remoteness of the sandy plains, and cellphone connections, all over.

Just another woman

Copyright V. Angelo

Karme', small town in the middle of a drought-stricken plain, the Sunday market brings people together and gives them a sense of belonging.

Later in the day, one goes back to one's isolation, taking the roads the cattle and the small ruminants borrow, in search of water and grass.

The Children' s Goals

The implementation of the Millenium Development Goals will make a difference to the future of these children. They still believe in the world outside there.