The dreams of an African child… FRIENDS
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
“Where are you going?” I ask a child who greets me running. “I’m going to my friend Pierre’s house. We have to study together then we’ll have a nice game of ball,” he answers me all happy.
It is the dream of each of us to have at least one friend to whom we can open our hearts, make confidences and ask for help in difficulties.
African children have taught me that it takes very little to make friends. Just notice who is near you, stop and talk to them and maybe share a candy together.
The rest will come with time.
The dialogue between the little prince and the fox also reminds us of this. Friendship is made up of rituals, to be repeated every day.
My friend, if he knows that I drop by to say hello around a certain time, will be at home and wait for me with joy.
If, on the other hand, I don’t go, he will have questions and be sad.
That is what you sometimes see on children’s faces. When they are sad, it is often because they have been left alone.
If you ask him why, he will say that he had gone to his friend’s house, but his mother did not want him to come in because he had to do his homework or she had sent him to do something in the village.
But when he later finds him again, the sadness goes away and everything starts again. It’s good together.
When you see them playing together, you stay happy, too.
If there aren’t enough players, the invitation to look for more immediately starts.
In short, friendship is a “contagious disease”.
READ THE OTHER DREAMS
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- Photo by Giada Tirelli
- digitally created by spazio + spadoni