Raising Children in Uganda

I have noticed some interesting methods in the way children are raised here in Gulu. I am not passing judgment as I feel that sometimes we coddle our children too much in the States, thus denying them the opportunity to learn independence and responsibility. In Gulu, I often see small children (as young as 2-3 years old) riding on the front of a boda boda (type of transportation- it is a dirt bike/motorcycle) in between the driver and the handlebars. Children walk down the street by themselves or with older siblings. Just this morning, two children whom I would guestimate to be about 3 or 4 were walking in front of our compound. I do not know where they were going, but they were not wandering. It's so interesting to me to see the independence these children have. At St. Jude's Orphanage last Sunday, a mother was holding a baby on her hip. The baby was just looking around and holding her head up with no problem. I asked how old the baby was, and she said 2 months old. This child has complete control of her head and neck at two months!!! Children work in the fields to help provide food, and they carry heavy jerry cans of water from the well to their homes. Just today as I was eating lunch at Kope Cafe, a couple with a child who was probably about 2 walked out to get into their car. They put the child in the back seat, and as they were driving off, I noticed the child standing on the back seat with her head out the rolled down window. I had to chuckle to myself... how many of these instances would DSS have been called on in the US?

I think both of our societies could learn from each other. The children here are more self sufficient and independent. They would have to be to survive the country's history. However this is truly reflected in teaching them. They recognize that they are responsible for their success in school and not the teacher. It is up to them whether they succeed or fail. What a novel concept!!

There is still love here. However it is shown rarely in physical affection. But isn't it true love for a child when you prepare them to live without you in the world?