Tag: Literate Earth Project

Being the ‘Momma’ in Africa

by 8hummingbirdway

The Africa Posts

While in Africa on this journey with my son, as he attends to his missions (the non-profit groups he founded and co-founded), I have the status of “the Momma.” Sometimes I hear “Hello Mommy” in a restaurant, a park, or informal gathering mostly from a woman. But in formal groups where my son has provided support and funding, I am clearly recognized in an official capacity as my son’s mama (or “Momma”, as I hear it).

This status of Momma is definitely an honor, especially when I am recognized as the mother of my respected son. I am 2nd in order of respect in any of these groups, including head teachers and others of status. I am introduced after him and given substantial credit for the man he is and his good work. They want me to say a few words to the captive audience. And I do. In educational groups where Literate Earth Project is the group represented I say how important books were in our family, how I read to my son from early on. That’s about it, I’m no orator. It was uncomfortable the first time, but I appreciate the recognition that his background and mother are an aspect of who he is, what he does. And I get to express warmth to a group in just a couple of sentences, where I may have only had a chance to speak personally with 2 people.

In DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) there has been less call to talk. When I did speak, I said a few words about love – and especially honoring all children – in my broken French.

Interested in learning more about Remember Youth for Change, the local nonprofit group in Goma, DRC? https://www.facebook.com/rememberyouthforchange

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Libraries and a Special Person

by 8hummingbirdway

The Africa Posts

Yesterday we visited 3 Literate Earth Project (LEP) libraries. I very much enjoyed engaging with the children who were 6 – 8. Some of the teachers were also a delight.

My son founded this nonprofit organization when he was in college. He funded it almost completely by himself for several years as libraries were built. Today the organization is on solid financial ground, there are 17 libraries, and he is not longer the CEO. My son is the founder and sits on the advisory board.

People of all ages seem impacted by our whiteness. They may have seen a few Caucasians, but to talk to us and connect with us seems really…somehow moving. As it is with us to truly connect with Africans. I guess we are all realizing and experiencing our “sameness” and connection.

Most people are open and warm. When I sustain a smile even as we pass on the street, they have to, want to, give in and smile too. Not always, but predominantly. It’s lovely.

I also met a man named Kuol Kuol from South Sudan today. He was abducted from his home as a child to fill the ranks of child soldiers. I wanted to know at what age, but he changed the subject.

Being a child soldier is a subject of great shame. It’s surprising that he even disclosed it.

Kuol comes from a tribe where the men take the same name as their grandfather, the great-great-grandfather, and so on, skipping a generation in between. Kuol’s great-grandfather, his father and his first son also share a double (repeated) name. (I can’t recall the name.) There is strength in this, he told me.

Kuol identifies as a Christian, “but,” he says, he receives “pictures” and messages from his ancestors. This feels so aligned with my work as a shamanic practitioner.

Kuol is passionate about teaching at a refugee camp in Northern Uganda. He is engaged with a large LEP library there, and he joined us on this day to learn more about how he could best help the refugee children at the library. He also has ideas about improving fishing and farming undertakings for the war refugees. He hopes to implement them, and my son hopes to play a role in this.

I am blown away by this young man, in his early 20s. He’s been through so much, and applies himself to the needs of others in a way that is remarkably selfless. He seems to be an outstanding human. He appears to be kindness personified; I saw him engage with children at the libraries today, and with the toddler at dinner at the LEP director’s home. They all, We all, love him.

Somehow the work Kuol does for others must heal his wounds. That’s my sense.

Remarkably, he has also met and been impacted by the Dalai Llama. And really, this makes complete sense to me. Two gentle spirits. Both displaced from their homes, both helping others.

As we parted ways, I told him about my work in the way of the ancient tribal healer, and let him know that if people cannot pay, there is no charge for the help. I know that he knows many who are deeply wounded. It would be a blessing if I had the opportunity to help.

Interested in learning more about or donating to the Literate Earth Project? https://www.theliterateearthproject.org

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