The dreams of an African child… DRESS
What does an African child dream about?
We will find out in this new column, by Xaverian missionary Father Oliviero Ferro
And when we understand that dreams (but not rights and possibilities) are the same as those of our children, it will be time to wake up and perform works of mercy.
Because through them, an African child (and others) will be able to live in the joy of being able to dream of something that can become possible
When you arrive in an African village, the first people who come to browse are always the children. Maybe they look at you from behind a palm tree or from a corner of the house.
Then slowly they come closer. The bravest ones come and touch your arm and make their witty comments.
Then you take a good look at them and see that their dress is not exactly the latest fashion.
The little girls, normally, are decently dressed. But the little boys, perhaps to feel closer to the ground on which they play and tumble from time to time, have a dark-colored blouse.
Some have short shorts open in all directions.
One day, my mom, who had come to visit us with dad in Africa, started chasing one of these little rascals. The one started to run away, but because he had no belt, his shorts kept falling off and he always had to pull them up. In short, a really comical scene.
But maybe they have a dream of having a more decent dress. They often wear it until it wears out.
On Sundays it’s cleaner. But during the week, after school, it is reduced to a pitiful condition.
It is needed for everything: to do chores, to play, to sleep…and to dream.
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READ THE OTHER DREAMS
Source
Image
- Photo by father Giovanni Piumatti
- Image digitally created by spazio + spadoni