Across Africa Alone

A True Story Of Teaching Literacy In Africa

At first sight, crossing Central Africa alone in 1960 in a VW Beetle, 40-year-old American-born Louise D’Oliveira might have seemed to be a tourist thrill seeker. Instead, her mission was that of a literacy teacher with the goal of bringing Africans out of the darkness of illiteracy into a brighter future. She was inspired and trained by Dr. Frank C. Laubach, known as the apostle to the silent billion.

In those days, indigenous people usually did not bother a single white woman traveling alone, assuming she was a teacher, a nurse, or a missionary, but Louise did encounter considerable danger, from herds of elephants to hostile mobs in the throes of political turmoil as they fought for independence.

Louise did not let danger, three cases of malaria, or exhaustion from driving thousands of miles alone deter her from her calling. She met with local leaders, literacy organizations, and missionaries to help them expand existing programs or to launch new ones. Later, Louise helped to found Operation Upgrade of South Africa that in its day taught hundreds of thousands of South Africans to read.

Her story must not be relegated to the past, for to this day, illiteracy rates are off the charts in some African nations and in many countries around the world. Even in the United States itself, as of 2022, 21 percent of adults were illiterate and only 54 percent could read above the sixth-grade level.

Reviews

I read Across Africa Alone. The story of Louise D’Oliveira was so inspiring! Having been to Africa myself and visited literacy programs, I easily imagined all that she went through to bring literacy to so many remote communities! I still cannot believe that she drove across the DRC alone – and managed to escape when the war broke out! Wow! What a gift to have been given that opportunity by Dr. Frank Laubach (and taken it!!). I loved all the quotes, pictures of Dr. Frank, and observations about each country and the impact colonization had at the time Louise was traveling across Africa. I have shared the book with various colleagues at ProLiteracy as well and wanted to thank you again for including a page about ProLiteracy and how any readers could support the cause of adult literacy around the world. Great work on capturing the amazing story of Louise and her literacy adventures in Africa! – Alesha Anderson

Miss Giffin,

At a certain age, as we advance in years, we tend to pivot toward the setting sun and often ask ourselves, “Where has the time gone?” There comes a time when nothing seems to grab our attention, too many “been-there-done-that” scenarios. Movies become bland, and storylines are often boring and mundane. We’ve just about had enough of the whole bowl of wax. Nowadays, sadly, nonsensical dramas and oxymoronic perspectives on the land of Oz are the new norm.

In order to peak and/or maintain our interest, a book needs to contain subject matter that’s infused with a nostalgic struggle, a storyline that we can relate to. Your book, Across Africa Alone, is a testament to personal sacrifices and noble objectives.

This kind of writing is wholesome, imparting a warm bread-and-butter feeling of accomplishment. For me, as somewhat of an authority on Africa, your book brought back a gush of wonderful memories and life experiences.

At a minimum, your book is prolific, touching, and, of course, rooted in nobility that is rarely found in today’s humanity.

Offering many accolades,

A. Sebastian Restum

Five Stars for Across Africa Alone

Giving the Gift of Literacy -An inspiring Story

The true story of a courageous and devout woman crossing Africa alone in a VW Beetle to promote literacy. Using a technique called “Each One Teach One” developed by Dr. Frank Laubach, she opened the eyes of thousands, perhaps millions of the unlettered. An exciting and entertaining read. — Steve Goodrich