The dreams of an African child… FREEDOM
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
Perhaps, it is still too big a dream for a child. He cannot understand it, because he is protected by the family.
But sometimes, he sneaks into the grown-ups’ talk and hears many things. Like that time in January 2008, when many towns in Cameroon were blockaded for a week. Prices of flour, rice and other basic necessities had risen so much that people were in danger of starving.
They had decided to block the roads with burned tires and stones, and those who passed by were treated unfriendly. It was almost impossible to get food. The stores and the market were closed. No one could go shopping.
So, children were asking questions, since, by the way, you couldn’t even go to school. They began to hear the words “freedom, justice, rights.”
They didn’t quite understand, however, they could see the consequences.
Some were beginning to end up in prison. Others were being injured or killed by security forces because they “wanted freedom.”
After a week of fear, everything calmed down. People began to count the dead, visit the wounded in hospitals and line up at prison doors to ask why their families were being held.
And it was always the word “freedom” that was heard. But no longer aloud, because it was dangerous.
Perhaps someone in the dream must have thought that when he grows up, he too will fight for freedom.
READ THE OTHER DREAMS
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- Photo di Nita (Pexels)
- Image digitally created by spazio + spadoni