A Child's Life in Beheloke

Posted on 6 August 2015

One of the most visible features of Vezo communities are the children. When you walk to the beach they are there bathing or playing in the water. In quiet moments, you can see them sitting with rapt, earnest attention as they learn lessons and stories told by their parents and study the movements and behaviors of older siblings.

by Aina Soaelina, Marlies Volckaert, Israel Bionyi Nyoh, and Enathe Hasabwamariya

One of the most visible features of Vezo communities are the children. When you walk to the beach they are there bathing or playing in the water. In quiet moments, you can see them sitting with rapt, earnest attention as they learn lessons and stories told by their parents and study the movements and behaviors of older siblings.

These children have their time to play, but they also have serious responsibilities. From a young age they help around the household by looking after younger brothers and sisters, assisting with the preparation of food for dinner, carrying something for mom, or helping dad get his nets ready for fishing tomorrow.

This volunteer group worked very closely with the children. They taught them fun stories and games and dances. They taught them new languages and, also, taught them new ideas and new ways to look at the world around them. Above all, they taught them new ways to show respect for the natural environment so that as they grow older and become the stewar