Update on the ABC’s

Over the past few weeks of teaching, my class has already transitioned through numerous iterations. I began with three students: Nakaale, Loumo, and Nacap. Although throughout the time, three other girls have come and gone I want to focus on these three.

Nakaale is approximately 12 years old (no one here knows their exact age). She has a contagious laugh that often dissolves into giggles on the floor. She is responsible and took charge of the group when necessary. She is smart and learned quickly. The first time she missed class, she had gone home to visit her family. Upon her return, her contenance had completely changed. She was morose and irritable. The second time she missed class, it was because she had left after an argument with one of the other girls that led to blows. She has not returned, although she did take her books of letters with her. I miss her quick wit and spreading smile.

Loumo is probably 9 years old. She is an only daughter, which here means two things: she is the only child that will make her parents money through a dowry and the only child to do woman’s work around the house. She is probably conversely spoiled and ordered around at home. Loumo was struggling through handwriting and coveted a pen, but was beginning to pick up on the various sounds letters form. The first time Loumo missed class was because she had gone home over a dispute about unwashed laundry with her employer. Within a few days, she returned, I’m guessing upon the insistence of her mother who is paid for her work. The second time she disappeared, Loumo’s employer could not discern what the source of the problem was, but tears were involved. She has not yet returned.

Nacap is probably also 9 years old. Her mother passed away some years ago and she also recently lost her grandmother who had cared for her since that time. She is shy as could be, but always very welcoming. I can tell by the smile which spreads her face that she is genuinely happy to see me when I arrive. She carefully turns the pages in her books how I directed her (rather than licking her finger and crumpling the page). She mixes up “j” and “r” since we learned those on the same day. She has learned how to sound out and spell “akai” (house), “akan” (hand) and even “epaipai” (papaya). She has never missed class. I met her father today and he began asking about whether I would teach his other children. This was the first he had heard of our sessions. After I told him that he would have to start paying me, he seemed skeptical of my abilities or the worth of the education. Nacap will be going home for a short time this week since her employer is leaving town to visit a sick sister. I have arranged to continue meeting her at our designated time, but I have little hope that she will be able to attend. I pray that she will return.

I have already acquired invaluable insights into life in Karamoja through these girls. It still astonishes me that girls at such a young age would be hired to leave their families to live with and care for another’s child. It is obvious to me that although the culture doesn’t scoff at the early separation and heavy responsibility, the girls suffer nonetheless. The situation itself is not condusive to peaceful living. Before the group split up, I would often arrive to find the girls rough housing in the dust. The ease with which disputes arose and split them apart speaks to the level of acceptance they receive. Bickering is a fact of life, and dividing resentment is only natural. It is against these odds (not to mention the constant distraction of their wards, their age and the belittlement of education) that they must fight to read a single word. I am presently struggling against the discouragement of losing my students so quickly. Today Nacap reminded me of why I must persevere as she slowly, methodically sounded out the word “akipore” (to cook). The Good Shepherd thought it worthwhile to seek after one lost sheep and continued to admonish us to be faithful in the small things. Therefore, I will go to our appointed place on Wednesday and hope with all my heart that Nacap will defy my expectations and show up, that she will step by step discriminate between the letters, and someday be able to read the Bible.