This book is divided into seven sections: Geography; History; Regions; the Inner Africa; Fairy Tales, Fables, Myths and Poems; Saints and Other Holy Figures; and Other Aspects of African Culture, including art, music, games and food. Each section introduces the reader to another aspect of African life. All the material in this book can be used by teachers with their students. At the end of most of the chapters are "Suggestions for the Teacher", including projects, classroom activities and suggested grade levels for using the material.

The most important point in using this book is that teachers should use the material as a stimulus to their own research and to their creativity. Work with the information, form your own inner images, make the material come alive, and bring it to the children through word of mouth.

When the contents of this book come alive in the teacher, the children will respond with enthusiasm and interest. The teacher is the carrier of the story. All over the world, stories have been passed on through the ages. The teacher is the griot, the bard, the minstrel and the storyteller. May the teacher understand the power of the Word and may children hear the voice of the griot!