World Smile Day in Africa!

World Smile Day was founded in 1999 by Harvey Ball who was the creator of the famous yellow smiley face. He organized the day to recognize that a smile knows no religion or politics and that we should all spread a little happiness.

Today, there are many different versions of the smiley, representing many other human emotions such a sadness, surprise, worry and laughter. In modern texting smileys are used to express emotions in online conversations on a smartphone or on a computer.

Smiling Children in Africa by Vicki Pittman

Did you know…?

• Smileys and other icons are known as emoji.
• That babies are born with the ability to smile.
• Happy smile day in Swahili is “siku ya Tabasamu ya furaha”

This happy holiday is the perfect time of the year for people to perform acts of kindness for their friends, family and coworkers. It is an opportunity for participants to put a smile on the face of their fellow man/woman and do their part to make the world a better place.

In Africa, smiling is a cross cultural language. For some, a smile means acceptance, love and agreement. A smile costs nothing, but it is worth a lot.

Smiling Maasai by Kenya Tourism Board

So, when you’re in Africa, you will see and feel the warmth, friendliness and hospitality shine though the enormous smiles that greet you everywhere.

“The cheapest way to improve your looks is to wear a smile.” – African Proverb

Nature walk at Davisons Camp by Olwen Evans