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| June 14th - Participant's
report on Kenyan Orphanage Tour |
What? Is this an orphanage?!
Before visiting the SOS village of Mombasa in Kenya, I had a totally
different image of what an orphanage would look like. Try to remember
the musical "Annie", and you will understand what my image of an orphanage
was. Beds placed randomly and covered with thin dirty sheets, and
children wearing stained uniforms with patches on them. Not to forget
the teacher who always threatens the children with a sharp cane. And
what about you? What are your images of an orphanage?
In the SOS village, it was a different world. |
was surprised when I entered the place and saw a
huge green playground, pretty white houses, and more than anything
else, smiling children in stylish uniforms.
Inside the village you can find the school and children's homes. On
a tiny hill stand few dormitory-houses, very similar to the Japanese
housing.
We divided into small groups and went to visit the children's homes.
I visited a home of 9 people, 6 elementary school children, 2 girls
who have just graduated high school, and the "Mother", a big woman,
a "Mama".
The mother, who seemed to be used to having guests, gave us a warm
welcome. While enjoying some snacks, home-made cakes and lots of popcorn,
we played with the children.
The children came to live there after they lost their parents or other
members of their family. |
But something in this place creates bonding of the
children, something closer to brotherhood than to friendship. There
is no concept of "the other" between them, and even if they fight
for snacks, they will all play soccer together. Looking at the oldest
taking care of the youngest, I realised that love in this family ignores
the limits of blood ties.
Then, I asked the mother why she was working in this place. She told
me that she was left alone with 2 daughters when her husband died
few years ago. "When I lost my husband who meant very much in my life,
I understood that it was very important for me to care for someone,
and that someone cares for me," she told me very quietly.
According to her, Family is something indispensable in life. When
she decided to become a "mother" here, in the SOS village, she never
thought of it as work. She only thought that she would live her life
as a mother. "The number of my children increased, that 's all," she
said while smiling.
In her powerful bright face, one can see the strength and warmness
of a mother.
"In the beginning, when I moved here, I had to separate from my 2
daughters who were college students, but now that they have graduated,
they have come back, and they take care of the other children as elder
sisters.
While talking with the mother and playing with the children, I could
not help thinking of the meaning of Family. Until now I have always
thought that blood ties were the absolute condition required for the
proper definition of "Family". As the expression says: "Blood is thicker
than water". If I had to look for a new expression to define it, I
would say:"Love is thicker than blood".
These women showed me a new definition of Family: "Family includes
all people who share a home with you and who you love - the ones that
are indispensable in your life."
(translated by Laure - corrected by Mariko) |
| Written by Miwa Sato |
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PEACE BOAT is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. |
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