I had it all - I came to Europe knowing what to expect, qualified with a UK doctorate, the right papers to live and work, and I am even English speaking. I got part-time work at a university, and the undergraduate students I was to teach ran to other staff to ask if I was QUALIFIED, because I am from Africa.

Ran a book proposal past a European publisher the other day, about new and interesting work in southern Africa. Was told that there is no market for books about the region, even if the work is interesting.

I think what I find hardest is that no one seems to give a damn - our experience, our lives, our values and our cultures are invisible. It is as if Europe thinks nothing valuable comes from Africa.