I’ve quickly become aware of how fast children must grow up here. Walking down the street I see young girls, ages 7 and 8, with small infants tied to their backs and young boys selling food or newspapers on the side of the road. Independence rushes in at a very young age in Tanzania and for a group of young kids I recently spent the day with, they are relying on each other for support. A group of 30 children, ages 7-13, who have lost one or both of their parents and are living with relatives, have reached the age where they need to begin partially supporting themselves financially. Yep, children 7-13 years of age expected to bring in income to support the family. So they have formed a financial and emotional support system to start this intimidating journey together. Meeting once every two weeks, the group brainstorms new income generating activities that they are capable of forming. They also spend the time talking to each other about their personal life-worries, struggles, needs-almost in a form of peer counseling. When I met them in their village, it was clear these children deal with more stresses than many adults and are unable to enjoy the blissful, simple, carefree childhood so many take for granted.
Together, we sat in a circle and began talking. I asked them their hopes and dreams for their individual futures…”I want to be a teacher,” “One day I wish to be a pilot,” “I will play soccer! And be the best goalie ever!” I told them to never stop believing in their dreams. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Their dreams are possible. Next we talked about their hopes for the future of their support group. Their answers were about having a big garden with lots of different crops and chickens and goats, both of which they will sell at the market. They will distribute the money depending on individuals needs (school materials, school uniforms, soap, new shoes) so no one will be left out or left behind. The group already has a small piece of land planted with cassava and peanuts, which was donated to them by a woman who has a strong love for children. Voluntarily, she attends their meetings, teaches them how to plant and harvest and helps brainstorm new activities within their reach. Before I visited, I had purchased cabbage and onion seeds as well as a large watering can for their garden and when I brought it out, the kids cheered with delight, yelling “Asante! Asante!” (Thank you! Thank you!). Two girls had brought drums with them that day, and the kids prepared and song and dance for me. Boys and girls alike entered the middle of the circle in pairs and danced traditional dances until they exhausted themselves. I was filled with so much emotion-joy and happiness for the children’s spirit but sadness and helplessness for their situation. I also brought a brand new soccer ball with me, and after the dancing, we spent the rest of our time together kicking around ball and enjoying each others company.
Before I left, one of the boys ran up to me and asked me a question that shocked me with its innocence…”Can you take us back to the city with you? I have heard it is so big and busy! We want to see a boat! Oh, and a plane! I want to see a plane!”
I would love nothing more.
Together, we sat in a circle and began talking. I asked them their hopes and dreams for their individual futures…”I want to be a teacher,” “One day I wish to be a pilot,” “I will play soccer! And be the best goalie ever!” I told them to never stop believing in their dreams. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Their dreams are possible. Next we talked about their hopes for the future of their support group. Their answers were about having a big garden with lots of different crops and chickens and goats, both of which they will sell at the market. They will distribute the money depending on individuals needs (school materials, school uniforms, soap, new shoes) so no one will be left out or left behind. The group already has a small piece of land planted with cassava and peanuts, which was donated to them by a woman who has a strong love for children. Voluntarily, she attends their meetings, teaches them how to plant and harvest and helps brainstorm new activities within their reach. Before I visited, I had purchased cabbage and onion seeds as well as a large watering can for their garden and when I brought it out, the kids cheered with delight, yelling “Asante! Asante!” (Thank you! Thank you!). Two girls had brought drums with them that day, and the kids prepared and song and dance for me. Boys and girls alike entered the middle of the circle in pairs and danced traditional dances until they exhausted themselves. I was filled with so much emotion-joy and happiness for the children’s spirit but sadness and helplessness for their situation. I also brought a brand new soccer ball with me, and after the dancing, we spent the rest of our time together kicking around ball and enjoying each others company.
Before I left, one of the boys ran up to me and asked me a question that shocked me with its innocence…”Can you take us back to the city with you? I have heard it is so big and busy! We want to see a boat! Oh, and a plane! I want to see a plane!”
I would love nothing more.
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