Genovic does not cry anymore…
In our daily mission as Little Sisters to the little ones, certain simple gestures reveal all their power. In Kinshasa, Congo, Sister Ernestine tells us how she accompanied a young child who was going through a difficult time. It’s a story that shows how a parent’s attention can transform a child’s heart.
I am Ernestine, Little Sister of the Assumption in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I’d like to share with you a little story I experienced at the beginning of this school year, in September, in our nursery school.
The child who made an impression on me is called Genovic. He is 4 years old. As soon as he arrives at school, he cries for most of the day and refuses to go into class. He prefers to stay outside, pretending he wants to go to the toilet, but in reality he’s trying to escape the classroom.
A big change for Genovic
One day, I approach him to try to understand what was making him so sad. He confides in me that he wants to go home to his grandmother, with whom he has a close bond. She was the one who brought him to school every day.
I contact his father, who lives very early in the morning for work and can not accompany Genovic at school. After understanding the situation, the father agrees to delay his departure one morning and come to the school. He comes into the classroom, speaks with his son and explains that school is a place to learn, not to cry…
An evolution towards joy and openness of heart
Today, after six months at school, I’m filled with joy to see how far Genovic has come. He doesn’t cry any more, he’s happy, smiling and brave. A relationship of trust has developed with his teacher. He now speaks to her with ease, without fear or shame.
With his classmates, he is sociable and participates actively in class. He doesn’t hesitate to express himself, answers questions, writes the numbers 1 to 4 and a few vowels, and can recite poems. He has made friends in his class, as well as among the older children.
A child growing up in a relationship
Genovic has also forged a strong bond with me. Every morning, he comes into my office to say hello. Sometimes he just smiles at me. Other times, he tells me that some of his friends tease him. One day, he told me with great pride: ‘I’ve grown up and I don’t want to cry at school any more’.
What touches me deeply is the commitment of his parents. Several times a week, her mother or father come to school with him to check on him. I’m really pleased to see how much Genovic has blossomed.
Ernestine, Little Sister in Kinshasa community