kids are commonly treated as inferiors. Even when they have proper families, it is customary that
kids eat last at dinner.
I remember being upset about late arrivals for my Saturday youth empowerment workshops. My
Peace Corps supervisor shed some light on this for me. I was recently moved to a developed
township near the school at which I volunteer. The roads are paved, I have a functioning shower,
and the houses in the neighborhood rival those in the wealthy suburbs of America. Things are
different here. A few kilometers away, however, there is a lack of water, a lack of food, and no
roads. This is from where my group of youths are coming. I learned that the youths wanted so
badly to attend my workshops, but didn’t know how to negotiate the time with respect to their
Saturday work duties of securing food, water, and clean clothes for their families.
The amazing thing is that, in many cases, the youth is undeterred by their work load. Day after
day, they arrive at school, open minded, eager to learn, and beyond grateful to receive my praise
and encouragement. Hugs are now on demand since my recent hugging flash mob.
Love Lights of Ekurhuleni Orphan Center applying their new skills in permaculture
My friend, Barbara, inspired the idea. “Amanda, think about when you were young. At night, your
mother bathed you, put you in pajamas, and hugged you. These kids don’t have pajamas. And
there is no one to hug them.”
There are exceptions-not all youths are orphaned, but a vast percentage are. Most of them live in
poverty, and all are required to carry out these “adult-like” duties before starting the day, or
enjoying free time (for many free time doesn’t exist). School, and my Saturday workshops, are a
get-away for them.