A new campaign by the Africa Centre in Dublin aims to show a different side to the continent.
The "Africa Also Smiles" poster campaign was launched today to bring balance to the negative way Africa is often portrayed in the international media. It carries positive images of scenery and people to contrast with the images of hunger and despair often portrayed in the media.
Eric Yao, coordinator of the Africa Centre said there was no doubt that there was poverty and hunger in African countries but there was so much more to the continent.
"The Africa Also Smiles campaign is a way of saying, that there is a need for a balance in the way Africa is portrayed globally," he said.
"Some people speak about Africa as though it is a country. Africa is a continent of 57 countries and there are different sides to it. It is therefore important for its image to be put out there in a balanced
manner," he said.
The new campaign will provide an education pack for schools so that school children see both sides of the continent.
The Africa Centre was set up to encourage a more positive exchange between African and Irish communities and to encourage the meaningful participation of African communities living here.
