Seeing the world through a child’s eyes — that’s the perspective I gained after reviewing 40 submissions as part of Christian Children’s Fund of Canada’s (CCFC) first Colouring-and-Essay-Writing Contest.
Relatives of CCFC employees, between the ages of two and 15 from our seven countries of operation (Burkina Faso, Canada, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Nicaragua and Paraguay), were invited to take part. It was an opportunity to engage with our kids, show them what we do and encourage a spirit of camaraderie.
I was humbled by the lovely artwork, feedback and children’s expressions of what it’s like growing up in their part of the world. Below are a few of my favourite passages from the essay winners.
Note: Minor edits were made for clarity.
Winner
Ashwathama, 12, India
“My teacher once asked me what caste am I. I replied: ‘My parents and grandparents belong to different castes, so I don’t believe in any,’ so the teacher replied, saying, ‘Great!’ But, it is not the same for all children. Mostly they are in the same caste. India has different castes and religions, which stop people [from living] in unity. I don’t believe in these things, because they only cause havoc by stopping people from uniting. That small spark can be brighter if we work together.
Although growing up is a pleasure for me, it is not a pleasure for all children. I really wish and dream to see happy and educated children everywhere.”
First place
Tryphena, 11, India
“In the olden days, only boys were permitted to go to school. Girls had to stay home and help their mothers cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and doing other household chores. Boys were given more privileges, and this deepened the discrimination. But social reformers and leaders worked to bring about equality and created opportunities for girl children.
Child marriage is still prevalent in India. Due to this practice, children, especially girl children, do not get opportunities to study and come up in life. This evil practice should be abolished.
My desire is to become a doctor and provide treatment to all people in need. My dream is to see a society where girls and boys are treated equally and given opportunities to recognize their potential and live out their dream.”
Second place
Amran, 9, Ethiopia
“[My friend Zehara and her siblings] lost their mother and father at a young age, and they are raised by their grandmother. I was in tears and shock when she told me her mom and her dad had died of HIV causes.
She is a poor girl; she could not even afford to go to school like me. She cannot really have healthy and nutritious food, but she is still standing strong and playing with me. She assists her grandmother. She sells corn in an open street market near our house.
I want to be with her all the time. I share my old clothes and toys with her. I hope she will be better in the future. She wants to be a businesswoman when she grows up. I wish to see her dreams come true.”
CCFC also celebrated seven children who won the colouring contest.
Ages two to five
Winner – Jason, 5, India (pictured, top)
First place – Sofia, 5, Paraguay
Second place – Melissa, 3, Ghana