Encouraged by children, families join forces
These families were stimulated by the initiatives undertaken by the Tapori children in their neighbourhood.
Indeed, some of the children did not hesitate to start rebuilding the house of a man to whom no one in the neighbourhood dared to speak. “He was said to be a wizard. But we realized the truth afterwards: he was very poor. He preferred to be isolated because he had no one to talk to and thus, anyone could go around saying anything about him” considers one of the facilitators assisting the children. “We asked the children why they suggested that we should visit this man and they told us: because we are children and he has kids just like us.” This remark made this facilitator say that “the children are the ones triggering the development projects. Everything that we do in our neighbourhoods is thanks to them.”
Thus, encouraged by the children, the adults got together and formed a group. “I am very happy to find friends with whom I can have a dialogue and that I can trust with my concerns in complete freedom” says one of them. “Although our poverty prevails, gathering in this enlarged family in order to share our ideas, starts to give us strength and courage. It also gives a bit more sense to our every day life. For us begging is disgraceful. We encourage one another so that each and every one of us keeps on doing whatever he or she is doing to survive (carrying luggage, selling our local drink or ember, fixing shoes…) and so that everyone’s efforts are valued.”
“Every morning I go to the woodwork shop. If I find planks there, I will carry them on my head up to the machine. I earn the price of the transportation and if any fall I get to keep them. I can earn 200F, money that allows me to bring food home for the children. Although I encounter many difficulties, I am proud of what I do.” “I sweep up market places; I earn 200 or 300 F. I live from this money and thanks to the help of my neighbours. I do not want to beg, it’s shameful, but I do it from time to time.” “I have been a widow for a long time. I am unemployed. My God is my work. I pray from morning till evening. The others help me get food and cloths. I am powerless, but the man of God is not poor.” “I work at the Beach Muhanzi market place. I clean up the cans. In exchange, I receive of bit of local drink. I sell it for 500F and that is how I manage to live.”
Supported by the advice of a couple of Tapori faciitators living themselves in the neighbourhood, the families learn to know each other through mutual visits, the dialogue is re-established and the smile starts to reappear on their faces. “Those who are afraid to express themselves because of lack of confidence, slowly start to open up. It seems that a climate of trust springs up little by little between us.” “Within the united families, we give each other pieces of advice.” “I learned how we can fight poverty among ourselves.” “Now I have consideration for whatever I do and I ask the united families that we work hand in hand.”
For these families, knowing that they are not alone and having the means to rely on the others is very important. That is why they appreciate the “Letter to friends around the world” since they wish to send their greetings to all the friends of the world.
