Why I Iook My Eight-Year-Old to Africa

As Americans we live better than anyone on the planet, but we are a very small portion of the world’s population. I wanted Micah to see how other people live on the planet.

Americans, especially our young people, take our many advantages for granted. Our young people are apathetic in an educational system the majority of children around the world envy. They don’t read the millions of books they have access to, when so many people are illiterate and have no access to books. Few Americans vote in a political system where power transfers peacefully, when people die for democracy and the right to vote. Our young people live a lifestyle for which they haven’t earned, expecting to have all those smart phones, iPads, game systems, and a car without lifting a finger to help at home while being disrespectful to their parents. They don’t understand short term sacrifice for a long term goal. Some Americans throw their opportunities away through apathy, drugs, violence, and indifference.

I took my son to Africa so he would appreciate and take advantage of every privilege he has as young American.

I wanted him to learn there is not one “right” political system, culture or economy. The world offers a wide variety of ideas and solutions. He can learn from exposure to a world of ideas.

                                                                               South African Constitution 

                                                                    written in granite on public display in SOWETO

                                                         Photo Credit: Rachael Costello

I wanted him to learn to navigate airports, bus stations, and foreign cities.

I wanted him to know that he should not be afraid to travel, or be afraid of people from other countries.

I want him to know that he has an obligation to improve this world that he has been lucky enough to be born into.

I want him to experience first-hand language, science, history, geography, and culture. I want him to witness other people’s passions so he can find his own passion whether that is social justice, cheetahs, or digging up fossils of early humans.

I hope he remembers Africa, when he is offered drugs and when his friends are fooling around in class. I want him to stop and think about people who are hungry for food, knowledge, and/or opportunity.

                                                            shanty town in the mostly middle class township of SOWETO

                                                               Photo Credit: Rachael Costello

I want him to never forget all the opportunities that he has as an American.