We (as adults) are creating a generation condemned to second class citizens
- From: "Zvakanaka" <lalapansi@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 06:46:36 +0200
We (as adults) are creating a generation condemned to second class citizens
of the global village.
No breakfast, no transport, no electricity, no running water, no pocket
money, no warm clothes - this is the stark reality of the majority of school
going children in Zimbabwe.
Poverty is defined in three categories; absolute, relative and social
exclusion. Those living in absolute poverty lack the resources to live.
Relative poverty relates to those children whose parents can not live to a
standard that is accepted as normal for the majority of the people in the
country. This results in them being excluded from ordinary activities that
most people in other countries take for granted, such as visiting the local
Mosi a Tunya, Kariba, reading with proper lighting at home, let alone owning
a computer at home or school.
Social exclusion refers to a combination of factors linked together that
mean a person is excluded from support that is available from most people.
Since most families are living just on the threshold, it means a whole
generation of children in Zimbabwe are missing the opportunities other
children (in the global village) are having at this juncture. Parents under
stress and failing to cope can transmit that feeling to their children. Most
children whose parents are failing to provide the basic needs for them lack
self esteem.
One director of education noted that the effects of poverty on children from
the earliest stages means they are often lagging behind their peers in
education. By the age of three, children can be 9 months behind their
better - off peers; and by the age of 14 they can be two years behind. It is
at the younger ages where cycle of need is crystallised. Poverty cripples
children in a way that scar them for life. Children can not learn if they
are hungry, insecure and their families are being fractured, one
educationist observed.
Now, my dear brothers and sisters, friends and foes alike, the majority of
children in Zimbabwe fit all the three categories of poverty. How are we
going to explain this calamity to them in the next ten years when they start
to ask questions? How can we, as a nation fail them? Can we tell them that
"zvaitoda muteuro" (Mutukudzi, 2007).
I would like to believe that our children would find it less relevant and
unconvincing when we tell them about the sovereignty of Zimbabwe, defending
our country against imperialism, post colonial effects, smart- sanctions.
These political jargons do not bring food on the table, continuous supply of
running water and electricity. All the hard work done by their parents to
defeat colonialism will be in vain. Our children today are looking to the
future. Children are always asking questions about the world, about
themselves, about their family and friends, about their parent's triumphs
and tragedies, about reasons and causes and consequences. In the way of
these things, questions lead to answers lead to questions and so on. But
there is always a point, whether for the "doubting Thomas" or "Zealot",
expert or amateur, when the answers stop. "Unoiwanepi mhinduro pasina
mubvunzo?" Tichabvodoka (talking rubbish) (Mutukudzi.Tsimba Itsoka 2007)
Tendai Hamadziripi Kwari
.
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