UBUNTU AND THE ART OF CONNECTION

There’s a saying in Setswana that goes “motho ke motho ka batho”. Most Bantu speakers will be able to understand it and identify its equivalent in their culture/language. To translate it simply, it means “A person is a person because of other people”. It speaks to the concept of ‘ubuntu/setho’- The intangible, intrinsic connection that forms between people, as a result of being socialized well. Socialized to support one another, to show up lovingly and generously, and most importantly, to pay what little gifts and blessings we have forward, because the benefit of others in our community ultimately translates to our mutual benefit.

Two years ago, two very important things happened in my life. First, I made the decision to go back to school and to become a certified mental healthcare practitioner. This step was my way of formally acknowledging to myself and the world around me that healing and psychosocial support weren’t a fad to me, but a path I fully intend to dedicate myself to. I remember knowing that I specifically wanted to provide psychosocial support to children and families. That one goal got me through the peaks and valleys of academia. The second thing that happened was that Lesedi’s Little Light and Maatla the Magnet were picked up by Iskanchi Press.

Lesedi’s Little Light and Maatla the Magnet were written days apart. Lesedi came first, an ode to the role that the matriarchs in my family have played in providing support through difficult times. My grandmother was a pillar of wisdom, love and support to all who knew her. Even after her passing, I grew up strongly feeling her love and guidance. An undeniable part of life is that one day, my children will lose me too. Through Lesedi’s Little Light, I wrote a story that would provide them comfort in times of loss. One that would remind them that they were never alone and that they too could take agency and be active participants in the healing process. Maatla the Magnet came a few days later, after a conversation I’d had with one of my children about facing rejection while attempting to make friends. Through the book, I wanted to convey to them that rejection was a part of life, and as unpleasant as it may be, it should not lead them to attach themselves to people who do not uplift them, care for them, or treat them with respect. These are conversations we should be having with our children, in an age appropriate manner.

How well our children understand and navigate the world around them depends on how well we guide and teach them, how patient we are, how much we are willing to learn in order to give them the best education and experiences possible. For children on the autism spectrum, patience and intentional interactions are particularly important. Artistic Minds Academy is a school in Gaborone, Botswana that provides comprehensive care and education to children with special needs, as well as neurotypical children. Recently I donated copies of Lesedi’s Little Light and Maata the Magnet to the school, in addition to spending an afternoon with the children reading to them. Over the course of the session I saw in real time the value of the work I’ve been doing, and felt deep reverence for who I do it for. There’s nothing as glorious as the voices of children who aren’t scared to be heard! Children have such lush contributions to make to our ideas, our thoughts and plans. As we delved into the stories, the children opened up about how they related to the themes of the stories. We talked about family dynamics, friendships and how we can identify good people in our lives, as well as how we can become blessings in other people’s lives.

Children’s literature is often dismissed as… Childish. Frivolous even. In truth, it is actually a powerful creative tool we can use to meet children where they’re at, and to walk with them into the future. Good children’s books have the ability to teach, to guide, to inspire and most importantly, to reach children and guide them forward in a manner they understand. Teachers are the best among us. In a world riddled with anxiety, where the future may seem bleak, we still have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the future, based on the foundations we lay for that very future. How does the song go? “Teach them well, and let them lead the way!” Donate, show up in tangible ways for the children and the community and become an active participant in the process of facilitating ‘ubuntu’. Remember the saying, motho ke motho ba batho.

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