One of the saddest things for me to see are the lives of children
and young people who have responsibilities, problems, and trials far greater
than many adults in this world have. I have always been very pro maturity as I
call it. I am thankful that my parents gave me responsibilities at a young age
and pushed me to become the mature and independent person I am today. What I’m
talking about is very different then encouraging children to grow and become
responsible and mature. What I have seen very often are children and young
people who are have no choice but to step up to the responsibilities of life.
Some are able to adapt very well to this and others who have not been taught or
given an example struggle.
It is
hard to see children solely taking care of other children. To watch two boys
maybe six and eight years old struggle to push their wheel barrows filled with
wood to cook their dinner and to ward off the cold so they are able to sleep.
So many Moms are much younger than me. Some have already had to go through the
sorrow of laying to rest their child. Their children are loved but too often their
own mother was a poor role model and the generations continue to be affected by
the past. Lack of productivity and motivation often leads to children being
bored and spending their time doing nothing at all or nothing that is good. Alcohol,
sexual activity, and drugs are introducing themselves to younger and younger
age groups, which in turn add a whole new peer pressure and stress to young
lives. The list sadly continues.
Unfortunately
it is not enough to just recognize this although it is the start. Next there
needs to come action so that there can be change. Children should be given the
chance to truly be children. To play, laugh, and develop before become grown up
at such a young age. Emmanuel’s Wish Foundation does this in one way by operating
their crèche for children before they are able to attend school. Constructive
teaching and play enable them to be carefree and to be children. Instead of
caring for younger children they are playing together and instead of just sitting
around they are learning. Other programs seek to keep children busy and provide
activities for them while they are not in school in order to both engage the
community together and to encourage constructive behaviour.
Education
for teens about alcohol, sex, and drugs are always areas needing improvement
but there is initiative in the community for teaching and I have met some
people who have a passion for sharing with young people in this way to educate
and support them. I have learned both from personal experience and observation
that people at any age appreciate the support and encouragement of people older
than them or those who have experienced situations before them. It gives them
hope that they too can make it through a problem, it makes them feel worthy of
the time and effort, and it ensures them that they are not alone.
I am
thankful for those in the Richmond community who are a part of ensuring that
children can have the opportunity to truly be children, for or those who work
so hard to be there for young people who need the emotional support and role
model, and for people who are working toward goals in maintaining and improving
the system. I pray that those who come from broken, abusive, addict families
might break the bond now and be the generation to start new and right. I pray that the young generations might all
the more turn to God and change their way of living to honor him. Most of all
that the will of God may be done in the lives of each and every one in
Richmond.
Laina
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