Looking back over past blogs, it has become clear to me that I haven’t been focusing nearly enough on the children of Namumu. Shame on me.
So, let me tell you about Clivet.
Clivet is one of my favorite Namumu-ans, without a doubt.
He is 12 years-old and in Grade 7 at the Namumu Community School. His nickname is “The Sweater”, as in someone who sweats a lot, not the article of clothing. I’m not sure who gave it to him but I’m pretty sure it was one of the Namumu girls. He’s the kind of kid that would never be upset about a nickname, though. He just laughs it off.
Clivet is my main farming protégé. I’ve been trying to ask the children periodically what they’d like to be when they grow up. For the boys, the only answers I usually hear are pilot, mechanic and doctor. Clivet told me he wants to be a farmer…my man.
In addition to working every day in the boys’ main garden by the Namumu front office, Clivet has even begun his own garden out by the boys’ dormitory. He is growing okra, rape, peppers and cabbage.
Just as upset as I was about the recent cow invasion, Clivet will be one of the leaders in my anti-cow army. I will be training him in basic anti-cow combat skills and strategies, and he will be in turn training some of the other boys. He’s athletic and a good soccer player, so I know that he will be a capable soldier.
As you may or may not know, not all of the children at Namumu are “orphans”. Some have one or two living parents that, for whatever reason, cannot afford to support them. Clivet, however, is an orphan. Neither of his parents are living. During the breaks from school most of the children leave Namumu and go to stay with some of their relatives for a few weeks. Some, like Clivet, that have nowhere else to go, just stay at Namumu.
Even though I’m sure he’s had a tough life, he’s always very happy and has a good home here at Namumu.
If you have any messages that you’d like to send Clivet, hit me up and I’ll be sure to deliver them.
So, let me tell you about Clivet.
Clivet is one of my favorite Namumu-ans, without a doubt.
He is 12 years-old and in Grade 7 at the Namumu Community School. His nickname is “The Sweater”, as in someone who sweats a lot, not the article of clothing. I’m not sure who gave it to him but I’m pretty sure it was one of the Namumu girls. He’s the kind of kid that would never be upset about a nickname, though. He just laughs it off.
Clivet is my main farming protégé. I’ve been trying to ask the children periodically what they’d like to be when they grow up. For the boys, the only answers I usually hear are pilot, mechanic and doctor. Clivet told me he wants to be a farmer…my man.
In addition to working every day in the boys’ main garden by the Namumu front office, Clivet has even begun his own garden out by the boys’ dormitory. He is growing okra, rape, peppers and cabbage.
Just as upset as I was about the recent cow invasion, Clivet will be one of the leaders in my anti-cow army. I will be training him in basic anti-cow combat skills and strategies, and he will be in turn training some of the other boys. He’s athletic and a good soccer player, so I know that he will be a capable soldier.
As you may or may not know, not all of the children at Namumu are “orphans”. Some have one or two living parents that, for whatever reason, cannot afford to support them. Clivet, however, is an orphan. Neither of his parents are living. During the breaks from school most of the children leave Namumu and go to stay with some of their relatives for a few weeks. Some, like Clivet, that have nowhere else to go, just stay at Namumu.
Even though I’m sure he’s had a tough life, he’s always very happy and has a good home here at Namumu.
If you have any messages that you’d like to send Clivet, hit me up and I’ll be sure to deliver them.
I concur with Sam about Clivert. I recently spent about 5 days at Namumu and Clivert stands out in many facets: Farming, school, leadership, artist and all around leader by example.
ReplyDeleteWith rocks in his hands he went after the cows with cheerful venom on Tuesday, but as always with Clivert there was a smile on his face.
For a kid of 12 or 13 he possesses a lot of maturity and while he is still ALL BOY, he seems to realize that he has some great opportunities available to him and is taking advantage of them.
I really look forward to see how he progresses over the years.
SAM - ask Clivert to draw you an elephant - it'll knock your socks off.
Tell him that Alex says hello and to keep the cows at bay.
Wow- I'm impressed and inspired with Clivert's drive, leadership and sportsmanship!
ReplyDeleteBravo Clivert, Bravo!!!