Rakmi Shaiza - Program Director & Volunteer Coordinator
"Kinda..."
January, 30, 2012, 02:06 PM
Growing up in the small town of Ukhrul in the State of Manipur, northeast India, I could play outside with friends freely after school once my chores (such as homework, cooking, hauling water from the well, and cleaning house) were done. I remember we played a lot of group games like marbles, hide and seek, soccer and blocks. We played mostly in our neighborhood streets, and we loved it. Those carefree times were the moments when I felt the happiest and at the same time felt connected with my friends and neighbors and to the many possibilities that life offered to me without worries. When I came to the United States more than ten years ago, I was bit surprised to find out that many children didn't play outside. I found myself wondering how children feel about not being able to get out much and play outside without being worried that something bad will happen to them.
This wondering led me to begin working with children and youth at Bethel Neighborhood Center 10 years ago. One of the things that I always look forward to doing is driving the kids home after our after-school program. During those times, I come to learn a bit of their world, the types of music they listen to, their dreams and values, and their joys and sorrows. One particular evening, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with one of the 4th graders. During that conversation, we shared about the music we liked and our favorite books and teachers. I asked him whether he liked his neighborhood, and he replied to me bluntly: “Kinda.” I asked him to help me understand what he meant by that. He said, “Well, Miss, you know I have seen and heard many crazy and scary things happening in this neighborhood. The other day, I saw a guy speeding down the wrong side of the lane in our street. I also heard gunshots last week. I love being in this neighborhood because I have my school, my Bethel friends, and my cousins, but at the same I am a bit scared.” I was surprised to find out how mature this 4th-grader was and how much he knew about the condition of his neighborhood. I was glad that he could come to Bethel's after-school program where he feels safe and continues to learn to seek a different path. I also came away from our conversation with a commitment, which is to ask myself every day, will my work today help at least one child in need and empower at least one child who is seeking love and support?