The dreams of an African child… PLAY
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
“Come on, pass the ball, I want to score a goal.”
It’s one of the many phrases you can hear in a makeshift soccer field near neighborhood homes.
In Africa, they have a lot of imagination for goals. They use the materials they find.
Let’s give some examples: school uniforms or bags, shoes, some bricks or tree branches. The important thing is that they are there. Then the goal or no goal can be discussed.
There are no technological means. Just get together.
Children dream of being in the capital’s stadium and being cheered by many people. Just dream and you
become a great soccer player.
But the most important thing is to play together with friends every day.
You don’t have to pay them. They are always available. All it takes is a ball and everyone is running after it.
Sometimes, the ball gets punctured and then the problems start. You try to collect some money left and right to buy another one. And if one has succeeded, immediately the neighborhood tournament begins.
Even little girls do not disdain to play ball. But they often prefer other games ,such as throwing the ball (one gets in the middle and the other two have to hit it); jumping in or out of the rubber band; week; letting loose in a circle where they all sing and other games they invent to get together.
But then if someone starts accessing the radio or playing the drum, then the dance begins and never ends.
Especially modern music (like World Cup music) makes them
go crazy. They dance and never stop.
Only mother, shouting, can put an end to this game.
It’s okay to play, to have fun, but then you have to go back to everyday problems.
The dream remains. There is always time. They will finish the work quickly and…sooner or later it will start again….
READ THE OTHER DREAMS
Source
Image
- Photo by Claudia Favaro
- digitally created by spazio + spadoni