AFRIG celebrates World Book Day 2025

This year, the Africa Research Interest Group (AFRIG) is celebrating World Book Day by showcasing some of our favourite books by Group members.

Lessons from an Unexpected Journey by Barry Awolusi

Barry embarks on a heartfelt journey through seven decades of lessons learned and wisdom earned.

This book intertwines poignant reflections on the unwavering faith that has been a guiding light, the profound importance of family bonds that have nurtured and sustained, and the cherished friendships that have brought opportunity, joy and resilience. With a steadfast desire to continue pursuing dreams and achieving goals, this narrative is a testament to the enduring spirit of growth and fulfilment at every stage of life. Inspiring and deeply personal, Lessons from an Unexpected Journey is a celebration of both Barry Awolusi’s life and the human experience; it is a roadmap for living a life of purpose and passion.

Barry is an ordained minister and resides in Essex, UK. He is married to Victoria Awolusi and together they have five children and a granddaughter. He launched his book at our 2024 conference.

Safeguarding Children and Witchcraft Labelling in Social Work by Professor Prospera Tedam and Awura Adjoa

This unique resource is perfect for all professionals who wish to understand witchcraft branding as a contemporary form of child abuse. Witchcraft accusations against children are occurring ever more frequently in the UK yet continue to be underestimated by social workers and other professionals. This book serves as an invaluable resource, detailing witchcraft accusations and child abuse within minority communities in the UK.

This second edition emphasises the persistence of witchcraft labelling and highlights new ways of theorising which have emerged, such as contextual safeguarding. Reflective questions, practice dilemmas and relevant links to contemporary policy are provided throughout the book with commentary and reference to updated legislation and professional standards in social work.

Written in an accessible style, it gives a unique and honest insider’s perspective of this form of cruelty and abuse suffered by children, with contemporary research and serious case reviews featured in each chapter.

Migration and Forced Displacement – Vulnerability and Resilience vol 1 and vol 2 by Samson Tsegay

Migration has been one of the contested topics among scholars and politicians throughout the world. Similarly, the experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants have been different as they are influenced by race, gender, class, and geographical location. This book explores the experiences of international migrants, including the challenges they face from nation-states, environmental issues, and sociocultural factors. It consists of chapters that discuss the causes and effects of migration, the role of nation-states, and the environment. Moreover, the book covers gender and family relations and the relationship of refugees and migrants with the host population and the socio-cultural and economic integration of migrants.

Overall, the book argues that international migrants, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, are among the most vulnerable groups in the world. However, they use various strategies to overcome their vulnerability and become resilient in the face of adversity. Hence, the book contributes to increasing people’s awareness of migration and the experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. It can also be a significant source for initiating further debate and academic discussion on issues of migration and forced displacement, vulnerability, and resilience.

The Diary of a Rising Son by Chinenye Ubah

A true, compelling story of a little boy who moved to the UK at the age of six and found himself in a new school with new peers. The story tells of his daily encounters and experiences in this school and how the changes affected him; his innocent observations in this school and his realisation of how different he was. Although he could not put a name to it, he is discovering it's something about his colour. His innocence offers no protection and he's beginning to ask questions. In the midst of this, can he find kindness or perhaps true friendship? Will it make a difference? Through the lens of a child, we are able to examine our society.