Here is a text I wrote for the school:
Hello each and everyone, and expatriates living in Switzerland. After talking about my impressions of the Congolese culture, my findings on the problem of street children and the institutional values, I will talk today about different relationships I have established with the children with whom I work and some of their behaviors.
There is a common view within the educational team, the one large (18 to 24 years) are proud. I remember first culturally, appearance is important here. So I have observed that young people in question dressed like "gangstas" and behaved like "bad boys". They change clothes several times a day for the show, do not sometimes want to say hello and "roll their mechanical" when I crossed. All this is also part of them for their late teens and early in our relationship, but does not, however, the values of a Christian association.
Then I discovered behind the protective facade of young fragile, lost, not knowing who they are and always open wounds. I also observed a marked difference in their behavior when alone or in groups. Only, they are helpful and polite. It is therefore certain that now, four months after they open.
Here is another interesting situation. That of a boy's home of 11 years asked me to buy him a ball. I replied no, explaining that they had several and they are rapidly lost or damaged. He calls me a villain! I explain my decision again. It gives me a kick in the shin! I scolded him, told him one last time and takes the distance. Some days later, I salute him and ignore me. Then he begins his emotional blackmail with other adults and as adults go in his direction he is charming (a little too much for my taste).
I think this situation shows both that the subject of street children is very sensitive and we constantly risk falling into sentimentality. How not to be a monster in denying a child abandoned by his parents a ball worth 30 Swiss centimes. And no, offering him the ball would not have learned to take care of business and would have strengthened a mechanism learned in the street and already well-established right to receive and then throw the item when it is dirty or down (when he could clean or repair) So I maintain my position.
Secondly some children are familiar with this chord and use it. This is probably a behavior that allowed them to survive on the streets. Some are very demanding, intrusive see intrusive. That's when I recover from the distance, when young came to get me into my room!
I also felt strong coalitions between children against adults. But finally, it is not 11 year olds who will make the law, but what image of the adult have?
As you will understand it's pretty complex but exciting.
Even a small photo of Shadrack picking papayas not with foufourche but with a bamboo stick!
Sincerely, big beaks, Jean-Yves
