No one is going to indict you for treating these Fulani kids who have found solace in the cold streets in a rather obnoxious manner— because the truth is they can be a real pain in the ass. The thing is they strike a new cord of annoyance in you. If you’ve ever had to deal with the dirty fingers of these innocent kids, who literally rub their little selves on you all in the name of making you spare them a coin then you would possibly understand my line of thought.
Sadly, the daily lives of a these kids is as difficult as asking a toothless grandmother to tread a needle, it is no easy task. Imagine:
See how he gallivants the streets—as though he owns it. Beautiful curly hair on his head, innocent eyes fixed on a hungry-looking face. He lives each and every day of his young life begging for money. Doing little marathons here and there to keep body and soul together. His focused eyes roam the environment, groping carefully for a prey to pounce on.
He is hungry; hungry in more ways than one. Hungry for affection, attention, protection and good living. But those could hold on now since his stomach is growling with so much rage. He did not choose such a life, fate got him and his tired face leaves no traces of doubt. This morning he his hungry; Last night, he was hungry. Being exposed to ever gracious mosquitoes, the little blood left in him is half gone. Tonight,he is sure he is going to be hungry. His mother looks at him intently. Why is he standing there when people are passing by? Just 6 years of age and he is the breadwinner of the family. Survival of his family depends on his little self. How best he can torment passers by for money. He ought to be in school—reciting his ABCs. Living life normally like other kids his age. Life grabbed him the other way round and here he is, living life his young age shouldn’t. Hustling and bustling amidst numerous accidents and dangerous people.
If he makes 5GHC today, he will stunt on the other kids because they wouldn’t be able to come live lavish with him.
There! Someone approaches! Alas! He runs to grab the hem of the man’s shirt. “I want money, give me money” he demands. The man hits his dirty hands but they are too fixed to budge. It is a you either give me money or stay here with me issue. Apparently they have worked for you and they are demanding their fair of your meagre salary.
The impatient pedestrian shoves him off with disgust but he isn’t perturbed. He runs after him. The man threatens to beat him up. His mind and whole body are too focused on getting that money that he won’t listen. Give him a few coins and see how his eyes dances with delight. Ask yourself, how many times has these young eyes danced with such joy today?
Shove him away with disgust and ask yourself, how many shoves has this little one received today? How many times has he fallen as a result?. How many injuries has he encountered? How many insults has his ears been fed with? How many beatings has he embraced?
He should be in school colouring papers, he is out here in search of coloured papers. He should be in school tormenting his teacher for another crayon, he is out here for just another coin. He should be in school playing in the sun and getting himself dirty, his face covered with happy tiredness ,knowing his mummy will give him a good bath at home. Here he is, tired faced, sunken eyes, bruised lips, hardly recollecting when last he had a bath. His life,his fate, accepted.
Does he need any more icing from pedestrians on his cake? He could be your child. He could be your sibling. Remember this when next you mistreat a Fulani kid!. No amount of kindness is ever too small to be appreciated.