Joy is born in an informal settlement in the city of Hope. Her mother is a local trader who sells fruits such as mangos and papaya on the street. The street is organized so that there are wide sidewalks and a safe place for Joy’s mother to work.

While Joy is little, her mother takes her to work with her. Joy’s mother works with many other women in the community and they support each other in caring for the little ones. Joy’s mother likes her work, she enjoys meeting with people and she earns enough to support her family and contribute to her community.

Buildings made from discarded materials enclose the streets. The furniture she uses includes small stools and a table she made for herself from discarded items. Everything around her is valuable in one way or another.

A few years go by…

The story of “Joy” who lives in the city of “Hope” should be the story of all people in Africa, according to the 18 people from civil society, researchers, and government, from the countries of South Africa, Ghana, Niger Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, who participated in a meeting convened earlier this year. The output and consensus of that meeting is the Bellagio Accord on Public Spaces in African Cities.

The meeting was convened by HealthBridge and University of Cape Town, with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation.

Learn more about our Livable Cities program.