This is what brings us together

I’d like to tell you about one of today’s activities. After lunch, we broke up into groups and talked about child rights through personal experience. This was a highlight for me because I learned a lot by listening to the frank and honest words of my new friends. On top of that, we spoke in French, and it was a golden opportunity for me to practice! 

 

Babacar started off the discussion by speaking about his experiences in Senegal. He said that he was concerned about the child's right to healthcare back at home. Many young mothers in Senegalese villages have no choice but to give birth in their homes without a doctor, sometimes by themselves. Hospitals are scarce and sparse and in many cases, the commute is too far for these women. Amelie, one of the youth chaperones, told us about child rights issues in her home country of Benin. She told us that arranged marriages are very common. In some villages, two men must marry each other’s sister. Unhappy brides try to run away from their marriage and if they’re caught, they’re beaten. I was also shocked to find out that some babies born feet first are killed. It’s a cultural norm in some Beninese villages. 

 

I couldn’t relate any of these stories to my life in Canada. But noticing the differences got me thinking about the commonality that exists between us all. Although our experiences with child rights may be different, we all have a common desire for justice. Child rights for all children! 

 

I like to look at it this way. In the end, we’re all one person...joined at the heart.