The Village Forum

In view of the acts of nurturing which we recently discussed vis-a-vis parenting, these cut across our various villages, communities, groups, etc., there is a need to take a look at the Power of Communal Support in a Fast-Changing World - as the world is now recognized as a global village. 

Once upon a time (time, time) our elders in the African folklore settings passed across timeless truth, values, proverbs, etc in the most engaging ways with songs, dramas and dances. 

All of these buttress the fact, in real time either in motherland Africa or so many other parts of the world that indeed *“It takes a village to raise a child”*.  This is not just a cute quote - it was a lived reality. 

Grandmas were the bedtime story-tellers. 

Grandpas helped with homework in the local dialects and history subjects. 

Aunties were your backup moms. 

Uncles doubled as career advisors (with or without your expressed requests). 

Neighbours? Let us just say they knew your school report cards before your parents did. They were the local guardian angels. (though seen as snitches by the young ones). *This was not unsolicited intrusion, rather it was nurturing, woven into the fabric of everyday life.*

On the global level, Indigenous communities, Asian households, and Latin American families also shared these collective rhythms and nuances. 

People did not just raise children, they collaborated in raising one another with shared values and orientations: building bridges of support throughout generations.

However, in today’s fast-paced, hyper-individualistic, self-centered world, those communal ties are loosening. 

The question then is how can we preserve the power of nurturing in a time when everyone seems to be on their own island surrounded with gadgets as substitute for human interactions and interpersonal skills?

One of the actionable steps may be in re-imagining the communal village settings, though not necessarily in geography, but in intention.

Whether through mentorship circles, co-parenting alliances, spiritual communities, or even your trusted WhatsApp group chats, we can recreate the nurturing bonds that once came naturally. 

Truly, at the heart of nurturing is presence. And presence is a most powerful tool - whether it is felt through a shared meal, a long-distance check-in, or a listening ear after a long day.

I remember my mother's friend - my Mama Remi who though not a relation (biological) yet she showed up as an Auntie for Open/Prize-Giving Days, First Holy Communion, landmark birthdays (helped with food and gifts too), and gave the occasional stern warnings to keep my grades up to make her proud. 

Looking back, Mama Remi was one of the “villagers” in my life - a treasure. Her nurturing came in hugs, side-eyes, and wisdom laced with humour.

So, here is my nudge to you:

- Who is in your village?

- In whose village are you willing to show up and belong? 

Let us keep nurturing: blessed to be a channel of blessing. Let us keep building - lifting each other up. Let us keep becoming with needful collaboration better versions of ourselves. 

#shift 

#mindfulness

#culturalroots

#TheNurturer

#NurturingLegacy

Selah