“We know that the outcasts and misfits are the children most likely to become violent, so it only follows that we must pull them into the arms of love and/or acceptance, and find a place where they fit. If our system doesn’t have a place where a child fits, there’s something wrong with the system, not the child.” ~ WILLIAM G. DEFOORE, Anger

After spending my first volunteer project with a children’s art foundation in Ecuador and now spending the majority of my time in Africa at a children’s orphanage, I am definitely getting in touch with my inner child.

I’ve had many observations and have learned numerous things from my time with the children here, but one thing that I am incredibly impressed with is how self-sufficient they are. Even the young children can completely take care of themselves. I guess this is what transpires when you haven’t had anyone to take care of you – the case for many of these children before coming to the orphanage.

Above all other things while here at the orphanage, I wanted to be able to “just be” with the children. To show them love, laughter, and times of happiness. I hope this has been true in the midst of our time together.

We have played lots of dodgeball (many of the children’s favorite game), endless amounts of card games (Uno is a big hit!), bible study groups with the older children, reading and English practice, painted their big white wall with blue letters and fun handprints, got them ready for the new school term and handed out supplies, had movie nights, and spent time just hanging out and chatting with some of the older girls. Evaline, the oldest girl at the orphanage, in particular I’ve grown quite close with.

I was told that in the beginning when the orphanage began in 2008 the children were very difficult to work with. They were sometimes violent, wouldn’t take direction, and no one looked out for each other like a family. Seeing the children now, I wouldn’t have even guessed. The children are for the most part very good to each other, look out for one another, and play well together. A complete 360 from three years ago. It just goes to show what “family” and “love” can do with children that have such a dark past and background full of violence.

Uganda, like many parts of Africa, is full of regional dialects. Many of the children speak multiple languages. When we have meetings, church, or any type of large group event, there are always translators. Betty one of the teenage girls speaks four languages. They learn to speak English in school but usually not adequately until grade primary 6 which is equivalent to about 6th grade in the states. So, working with the children, many of them are lacking in their English skills (reading, writing, and speaking) although English is the official language here. As for the younger kids that are just learning, I know for certain I won’t ever get tired or forget their sweet sing songy voices saying

Hiiiiieee, How are you?

I am fine thank you.

Always the same tone, always the same response. Regardless of what you ask them. Just too cute.

Children really do have a magical way of touching a heart and helping one to remember  the important things, the small things, and the things you take for granted. This is also why it is so important that children are a part of the bigger goal of making the world a better place.

“If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.” ~ Ghandi

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