Chapter 5 Review - Child of the Village

The concept of the child of the village emanates from the African belief that children are born into families but belong to the village. Their well-being is the joint responsibility of all the elders in the village. The mothers and fathers play different roles in collectively bringing up the community’s children. They are the eyes and ears of the village regarding the nurturing of the children. Having grown up in such an environment in the small rural village of Moripane, I can appreciate the warmth such an environment provided to the children as they were growing up. This practice happened naturally. You felt that deep love and genuine care even when you were reprimanded. 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samtsimacometsa.substack.com