The African Child in Proverb, Folklore, and Fact

Abstract

Sometimes I have an uneasy feeling after attending meetings or conferences connected with well-meaning, but not always wisely directed, efforts to better the lot of the African child. We good-intentioned folk would be well advised to find out something more about the system and ideas which African parents themselves practise or hold regarding this subject before we rush in to criticize, interfere with, or offer advice to those who in the long run are mainly responsible—namely, the childrens’ own parents. Too often, I fear, our attitude is to treat these parents as being themselves but poor, benighted, heathen children.