Only five countries in Africa have resident members of the 1AU, and in some there are, quite literally, only one or two. They are isolated (communication with other countries is often difficult), poorly equipped and poorly financed --some have no current journals at all. Most of Africa faces terrible problems, so it is hardly surprising that our colleagues there have their difficulties. Astronomers are useful in developing countries, however, especially as educators, so we can help the whole continent by helping our own colleagues.