Recent decades have seen sub-Saharan Africa decline in both economic and human terms. The rich North has responded with a barrage of well-publicized initiatives, from pop concerts to international commitments on debt relief, aid, trade and good governance. Among the complex of factors necessary to sustain economic and human development, education receives little media coverage, although it is crucial. However, education must be effective. This book argues that in 'Anglophone' Africa, education is not effective because of the use of English, rather than children's first languages, both as the medium of instruction, and also as the language in which children are first taught to read. Research is presented from Malawi and Zambia, countries with contrasting language policies, using evidence from tests in English and African languages, small-group discussions and classroom observation. The findings show that English-medium policies in Africa do not give students any advantage in English over first-language policies, while the use of English discriminates against girls and rural children. The book concludes that much education in Africa is a barrier rather than a bridge to learning because of the prevailing language ideology, which has resulted in massive over-estimation of the value of English. While appropriate language policies alone will not solve education and development difficulties in Africa, they do have a positive contribution to make. The evidence presented here suggests they are failing to make that contribution.

Have you ever been publicly humiliated, called hate-filled names, bullied in school, endured rude insults, or told you'd never amount to anything? Son of A Soldier gives you real hope to overcome obstacles and face adversity, while achieving your own personal potential. Eddie Williams is a West Pointer, U.S. Army Officer, Airborne Ranger, and Green Beret. He grippingly shares shocking family secrets discovered after his parents died. His story will encourage every reader.

People from all walks of life have asked the question. Who is Jesus Christ? Matthew J. Cochran, author of the Devotions for Disciples series, enters into the arena of this deep theological question and attempts to engage the reader in not only an understanding of who Jesus is, but what it means to all of our lives.