Member's Stories and Poems - Adults

Watoto Wana Say

-by George Nange

I am going to write a poem, a poem about Man's knowledge and mystery
A poem about the poor child in Iraq, a child soldier in Liberia, A poem about an abused and exploited child,
Perhaps about my Mum, Dad, my family
Oh yes! My friend an African child
KWANI, WATOTO WANA SAY

Ignorance

Ignorance at the bus stop, as adults step on my toes and push me aside
Am I not a human being with rights? I wonder
I'm so little, soaked in my school uniform,
Splash! Splash! The vehicles on the road splash water on me
Ignoring my presence, because I am so little and have no say.
NO! Not any more. I promise this poem will do exactly that.
KWANI WATOTO WANA SAY

The Plight of Children

7:00 O'Clock. I sneak in my neighbour's house, its news time!
I sit down on the cold floor, seeking out information in the media.
Before my eyes blink, I see child soldiers in Liberia,
Children dying of malnutrition problems in Somalia,
Orphaned children living with HIV/ AIDS the scourge
Malaria strikes and kills a child
My brother and sister forced into child labour.
Oh no! My God! Why us! Have mercy.
I close my eyes, tears flow. NO! Not any more.
KWANI WATOTO WANA SAY

Brutality

Brutality, in school, at home and the community.
I am caned like a snake, a thief. Ouch! Ouch! It hurts.
Kneel down! Yet I don't know my mistake,
My parents too busy to know my needs
My neighbour beats me up and chases me away. Reason? I am making noise
Last night, scream in my neighbourhood.
My friends victims of violence, beatings as well as their Mum
Reason? Dad came home drunk.
I listen in despair; I'm patched on a desperate future,
Can someone hear me? I will SHOUT to the loudest of my voice!
KWANI WATOTO WANA SAY

Politicians

Every day they struggle for power;
"We will bring developments and make good roads"
Yet it takes three potholes and then turn on your right there lies our house;
Garbage and broken sewers greet you on out doorstep
Yet they talk about development but no action.
In Parliament we the children are not in their agendas
Why? Why? Why? Will we ever be in your agendas?
KWANI WAOTO WANA SAY

Education

For if we educate the children of today we will solve the problems of tomorrow
Education not about maths, English, Swahili but also about my own rights,My health and my world.
My pen cries pleading for mercy. I beg to stop but without a message.
KWANI WATOTO WANA SAY

A dog once thought toothless now bites.
For now It's time to get love and protection from you.
The time is now to revive political will and commitment to the plight of children.
NOW not tomorrow.
LISTEN TO ME for I am a child.
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! Give me a chance I won't disappoint you.
KWANI WATOTO WANA SAY