And what about us? We’re not human beings?
October 16 in Cité Lumière (Bangui) for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
About thirty members and ATD Fourth World supporters came to spend this day with the population of the island; most of them had never been there before.
Ambitious urban planning projects are in the pipeline on this island, and residents are now leaving the place where most of them were born.
Allowing their children access to education is one of the most important goals for this island’s inhabitants. Beyond what is passed on from generation to generation, they want their children to be able to go to school. “Children of those who refuse us the possibility of having a school are able to go to good schools. And our children continue to suffer. And what about us? We’re not human beings?"
To support this wish of the parents, ATD Fourth World friends and members organized a day with the children. After having listened to Fon’s story, the little Thai girl who was able to help out her family by selling flower necklaces, children made paper flowers.
Organizers helped them organize their thoughts by having them answer questions such as: What do I like to learn? What helps me learn? What do I know that I can share with others?
Their answers can be found in the “Big Book” entitled “Amolenge ti Cité Lumière a tene…” (which means Children from the Cité Lumière tell you…”), which the younger children helped, decorate with their drawings.
We can read:
“I like learning with my brother. Even though he never went to school, he teaches me to read. When he goes fishing, it’s because of him that I’m able to do things on my own, and I thank him very much”. (Moses)
“My mom gives me a few coins to support my school. Even though she’s only got a little shop, she doesn’t let me down. And I’m proud to say that even if she can’t give me a lot of money, I go to school to be able to heal my family tomorrow”. (Grace)
“Thanks to my father, I learned how to fish, to sell my fish, and protect my net”. (David)
“I love my mother because she teaches me how to cook and to respect other people”. (Cinthia)
Several young people that attended this meeting also take part in knowledge sharing actions with children from their own neighborhoods. On behalf of all of them, three gave a public testimony:
“Are we important for any one else in this world? Every one in our group isn’t strong. If we turn our backs to those who are weak, will they be able to continue without us? Even rich people need poor people. If peasants don’t cultivate their land, the rich won’t have anything to eat. Everyone can contribute in his or her own way. Those who are rich, before they became rich, someone helped them out. Those who succeed in school, they were able to go to school because someone allowed them to. We must and we have no other choice that to support one another. Without that, nothing is possible. If we can put that into practice in our neighborhood, our church or our community, that will change things.”
Following this day, a Tapori library will be started on the island, once a week. Some young people who have already worked with ATD Fourth World will come to help other young people on the island.
