Summary

A young individual recounts a transformative childhood experience in Nyamirambo, Rwanda, where a lesson in kindness and community profoundly impacted their perspective on life.

Abstract

The narrative unfolds with the author reminiscing about a day that began like any other but took an unexpected turn when a stranger's request for help was initially met with disdain. The author's mother intervened, teaching a valuable lesson about compassion by providing food and comfort to the visitor, who was seeking sustenance for his siblings. This act of generosity, coupled with the author's subsequent feelings of guilt and the realization of their own privilege, led to a change in attitude and the formation of a cherished friendship. The story underscores the importance of empathy and community, encapsulated in the philosophy of "Ubuntu," which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people and the significance of generosity and human dignity.

Opinions

The author initially displayed a lack of empathy, reflecting a common human flaw that can be rectified through guidance and self-reflection.
The mother's actions serve as a powerful example of altruism, suggesting that hospitality and kindness are virtues that can have a lasting impact on others.
The concept of "

Kindness Is Noble: Share the Love

A story about a kid from Nyamirambo (Rwanda)

I still vividly remember the first time I witnessed an act of kindness, an act so surreal that inspired me to appreciate this gift of life. The morning routine started just like any other by breaking fast with my parents and proceeding on to complete my chores before heading out to catch up with the homies in the neighborhood.

Back in those childhood years, we spent most of our days exploring the neighborhood, playing soccer, or competing for the rarest marbles; this was quite the popular game in our childhood before the dawn of technology, hours would fly by before we would recognize that the dusk was upon us.

So, after having breakfast, I proceeded to quickly do my chores for the day because there was no way my mother would let me out without finishing them. I was anxious to be out the door this particular morning because we had a big soccer game against kids from another vicinity.

These soccer sessions were not just any games. The reputation of the neighborhood was always at stake.

As I was getting out of the door, I ran into another kid that was getting ready to knock on our home. I had never met him before, so I was a bit distraught by this. The kid was simply asking for bread. As foolish and immature as I was, I quickly scorned him by informing him that our home was not a market.

I am so grateful that my mother happened to be nearby to hear this whole conversation while tending to her precious garden. She quickly grabbed me aside and welcomed the other kid in, what ensued in the following moments was unquestionably one of the memories that become the talk of family reunions.

She explicitly said, in my native language (Kinyarwanda), “You and I are going to talk after”. I instantly knew I was not going to make that game and miss many more for that matter.

After helping and feeding the other kid, whom for personal reasons I rather keep his anonymity, we came to find out that he was looking for food to provide to his younger siblings and family. I instantly became appalled by how I managed the whole situation.

My mother comforted him and proceeded to gather some of the food to give to him to bring to his home. Realizing what I had done, I felt a sense of shame, because it had never occurred to me that this predicament could happen to a child.

Tormented by my guilt, I offered to help my mother in hopes of winning her graces because deep down I also knew that chastisement was on the way. I also gathered some toys from my collection and some marbles to share with him because, after all, what kid doesn’t like toys.

Before the kid left, my mother told him to never feel it’s a burden to ask for help and that “our door is always open”.

Each time I revisit this multifaceted memory, it’s like there is a new layer or lesson that becomes unveiled. These past years, I would say the recurring theme that stuck with me, was to never belittle or show contempt for another man who shamelessly expresses the audacity to ask for help.

As men, society expects us to be proficient providers and protectors consistently. However, life does not happen in that manner for everyone. Few get the rotten end of the stick and struggle to make do with what they have.

I am grateful to my parents for instilling in me the value of human life at an early age. You see, I grew up in a community with people from all walks of life.

Despite the social strata of individuals within our community, we all shared one single truth “Kugira ubuntu”.

My mother’s gentle spirit inspired me to appreciate all my circumstances, even more so the people in my life because they make me who I am.

Desmond Tutu persuasively articulated this philosophy:

“Ubuntu is the essence of being human. Ubuntu particularly speaks about the fact that you cannot exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can’t be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality-ubuntu-you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as individuals, separated from one another, whereas we are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.”

Whoever may be reading this, I implore you to never belittle another human being. That person across from your eyes, whoever they may be or differences you may have with them, they are still human. We all share the same Creator.

Oh, I almost forgot. I never made it to that game and was grounded for a month. Nevertheless, it was a turning point in my life and I gained a treasured friendship that day.