A YOUTH worker is trying to dispel negative myths about Africa by spreading the word about the continent and its history.

Natty Samuels, who lives in East Oxford, set up his African School on the city’s Blackbird Leys estate, to inspire local people about different cultures, traditions and customs.

The 47-year-old, who has been a youth and community worker in Blackbird Leys for more than 12 years, has roots in Ghana and is passionate about the continent and its heritage.

His Monday evening classes explore the history of Sub- Saharan African societies in pre-colonial times.

The father-of-two, who works as a teaching assistant at Iffley Mead School in East Oxford, said: “The teaching of African history just isn’t around. It’s still not on the secondary school curriculum.

“The main reason for doing these courses is that a lot of the information people get about Africa is very negative.

“Too many people think it’s one country – they don’t know it’s a continent. It is ignorance, and it’s because people have not been taught.

“So many people have got a negative image of Africa because of what they see on television.

“It seems to be all about genocide, dictators and civil war.”

Self-taught Mr Samuels said there were large numbers of people in East Oxford and Blackbird Leys with African roots who would now be able to connect with their heritage.

He said: “I learned through reading, watching films and documentaries and through talking to people.

“I am telling people about the queens, empires, teachers and writers – all real figures.

“But we also cover issues such as trade, food, religion and governance.”

Mr Samuels, who began the classes last September, is also running a course at Ruskin College in July on pre-colonial Central African societies.

He is hoping to boost the numbers attending his classes.

He said: “They keep coming back, which is lovely.

“I think they recognise my passion.

“I pick a subject for the week, give an overview and then explore certain aspects in more depth.”

Christine Chambers, 44, of Salesian Gardens, Temple Cowley, Oxford, said: “It is astounding how many people still believe Africa is a tiny country, not an enormous continent.

“There is great ignorance about the fantastic societies that have existed there and the contribution they have made to the world.

“I would urge others to come along, regardless of whether they have links to Africa or not.

“If this class had been around when I was first thinking of going to university; I’d have probably got my degree 10 years earlier.”

l The free classes are held at Jubilee Hall in Sorell Road, Blackbird Leys, every Monday from 7-8.30pm.

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk