On Sunday, a 16 year old boy named Ramashal told Sha that he had found a man who wanted to have sex with her (keep in mind Sha is 12) and would pay her for he. "Don't worry," he told her. "We will just go there and take his money and run before you have to do anything". So they went off to some discrete location and Sha took the man's money and ran.
On Monday Sha and Michelle were teasing Rodney, Usho, and Set. The boys were ignoring them, but the insulting started to escalate. Sha called Rodney a bushman, and soon thereafter Rodney got so upset that he shouted out "Well at least we aren't having sex with old men in shacks like you, Sha!". Sha ran and told MB what he has said, and then at the end of the day MB called a private meeting with Sha and the girls and some of the boys.
The boys were under the impression that Sha was being paid for sex. She cleared things up and told them "No, no! Ramashal and I just trick the men!". MB explained to them how dangerous doing this is, but she doubts that will change their minds the next time the opportunity arises.
I cannot believe this is happening here. I think about the eleven and twelve year old girls I know back i the states, and I think about myself at the age of 12. I don't think I will ever understand the lack of caution and respect these girls have for their own bodies and well-being.
Salome's Aunt runs a whore-house type operation right in the house, so Salome (11), who acts very promiscuously, has grown up around prostitutes and sex and strange men her whole life.
Namibian prostitutes get paid $10 when a condom is used, and $100 when a condom is not used.
Yesterday I let Tete use my camera (see previous post) and then I let Rozein use my camera. Rozein took a picture under her skirt, and then put the camera under Tete's skirt and took a picture. Tete was really upset, understandably. Luckily, I think, her 9 year old little brain has not yet begun to want sex and boys.
I spent 15 hours making a board game for the center the past three days. It's clue, but I called it detective, and instead of murders, it's stealing (who stole what where). Here are pictures.
And here are some more pictures of me and the kids
eleven days.
5 comments:
KJ,
What heart-rending stories and lives you're finding. The pics and stories behind them brought tears to my eyes.
Your Detective game is incredible!!! What a gift to your children you are.
Can't wait to see your smiling face in just a couple of weeks. Make them the best ever and come home safely!
Love,
all of us
kind of funny that you are wearing a Nicaragua t-shirt in Namibia!
I used to make board games all the time as a little kid! You just brought me back.
ps
I had a really awesome idea that I wanna work on with you when you come home. I emailed it to all the staff today, and have been developing it with Roy recently. Cryptic enough?
katrina, i've been quietly reading along with your adventures, but now i must comment.....what a beautiful boardgame you made! i see several fantastic examples of PERSPECTIVE and BLENDED COLORS!!!
really, what you're doing is extraordinary.... i so admire you.
i hope you enjoy the rest of your stay...
xoxo,
holly k
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