13 March, 2009 - Published 14:03 GMT
BBC Focus on Africa Magazine

South Africa: A group of children get ready to take to the stage for their year-end performance at Chameleon pre-primary school in Cape Town. From Michal J Rahfaldt, Cape Town

Nigeria: A family pose outside their shack in crowded conditions in a slum area of Lagos. From Paul Kuyoro, Lagos

Uganda: Smiles all round as a dancer helps promote water and sanitation messages at a conference in the capital. From Kiyimba James, Kampala

Lesotho: Local youths enjoy a makeshift see-saw in a rural area. From Janet Tomkins, Vancouver, Canada

Malawi: Cracked walls on a staff room at Rumphi, one of the most famous and oldest primary schools in the northern part of the country. From Bartholomew Kawina Boaz, Balaka

Ghana: The modern and traditional mix easily among different generations. From Richard Opoku, Wiamoase
These images appear in the April - June 2009 edition of BBC Focus on Africa Magazine.