In the Afghanistan’s regional site, found in the UNICEF
website, I read about baad, the
custom of trading young girls to settle debts or family disputes. This specific
article shares Suraiya’s story, a 6-year-old girl who was given by her family
to her neighbors in an attempt to buy peace, after Suraiya’s older brother
eloped with a neighbor’s daughter. For the following four years she was forced
to do heavy household chores, and the family kicked and thrashed her with
knives, sticks and iron rods. Suraiya escaped from the family, only to find
herself locked behind bars for begging, shortly after. Sadly, there are many
other young girls suffering physically and emotionally the same as Suraiya.
UNICEF has placed these children in orphanages or safe
homes, in order to ensure their safety, through trained social workers who also
contact the children’s families and provide counseling. After many sessions
with families and children, the children’s confidence and the family
relationships can be rebuilt.
I consider these experiences affect girls in all aspects
of their life, because their safety is jeopardize when their family decide to
give their girls away. The girls’ needs are not met; their self-esteem is
undermined while being treated as only objects of work by the families who take
them. When the girls decide to escape, their situation does not get better,
because they are homeless, vulnerable and at risk of being exploited further. In
the Suraiya’s case, her development did not have the needed foundation for her healthy
development, because she there were no caring people around who would support
her. Fortunately, Suraiya found on her aunt the supportive person she did not
have before, and she was able to establish a healthy relationship with her.
When I read the baad
is seen as a custom in Afghanistan, Eric Hoffman’s word came to my mind when he
stated that there are always differences in opinions between the families and
the school, and as teachers, we need to listen carefully to families in order
to figure out a solution (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). After reading Suraiya’s
story, and thinking as a sensitive person and as an early childhood
professional, I wonder what could be the best way to help her and her family in
this situation. I know we have to respect the customs each family has as part
of their culture, but in this case, I consider the wellbeing of the girl needs
to be placed first than the parents beliefs. I also consider the family
involvement within the program would be fundamental, in order to let them see there
are other ways to solve the problems. In addition, when families get involve
within the program, they all broaden their perspective and learn from other
families the different ways to face challenging situations.
This is the link to read the article about Suraiya’s story http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/afghanistan_65844.html
References
Laureate Education, Inc.
(Producer). (2011). Partnering with families. In Strategies for Working with Diverse Children. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_2652530_1%26url%3D
Caty,
ReplyDeleteThis is a sad story about this little child. Her name, I believe means "Princess" so why is she treated so badly, they name their children out of respect to their religious beliefs.
I think this culture will strengthen women and children who suffer the most disparities in this country. I just viewed a program of a woman who wanted to break away from these customs and be a performer, she just could not break away and was very sad that her family might find out. Women and children in this country are now getting their voices heard, I just hope it is not too late.
Caty,
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is a tough story. This shows how traditions and cultures in other countries seem crazy or odd to us. However, children are suffering because of these traditions. It is a sad thing to see a child deprived of health and education. Therefore, I am glad that UNICEF is working to improve conditions in these countries.
Caty,
ReplyDeleteThe story you shared is heartbreaking. It is hard to imagine how children suffer in these types of conditions. Like you said, her self-esteem was impacted and her needs were not met. Children need support, love and a safe environment. This child did not have any of this early on in her life. I am relieved to hear she found support in her aunt. Teachers need to recognize that children in our classrooms come from various cultures, experiences, and conditions. We need to get to know our children and provide the safe, loving, and supportive environment they deserve. Often times we have to meet their basic needs first or else they are unable to focus and learn in our classroom. Thank you for sharing.
Oh my goodness, I cannot imagine having to live this way. Imagine the self-esteem these girls have. Children need to be in a environment where they can learn, explore and grow. They need positive experiences to help them develop overall. I am like you, each family have culture and parenting differences, but we should look at what is best for the child. Thank goodness for UNICEF and hopes that we can save our children.
ReplyDeleteI think it can be really challenging to both send a message that we respect parents' beliefs while protecting the interest of the child. I think as educators it is our job to work in the best interest of the child first and sometimes it can be a difficult call to make.
ReplyDelete