What Do We Have to Lose?

On a day like Thanksgiving, we think about the many blessings that we have in life.  Unless we listen to and read the news every day, we probably would not be aware of the other people in the world who are suffering.  We may not even have a clue as to the extent of the suffering of people living in a country such as Pakistan.

There are approximately 1.5 million children living on the streets in Pakistan.  These children, in many cases are trying to support their entire family.  Because of this great responsibility placed on them, they may never have an opportunity to attend schools.  Instead, they work in the households of upper middle class families.  Some take care of children who are the same age as they are.  A typical day for those who do not work for families may involve looking for empty soda bottle to fill with water to sell to passersby.  Yes, even water is difficult to obtain.

Those who do have an opportunity to attend school have no running water or sewage system.  The buildings are crumbling and school supplies are scarce.  There are not enough people who are qualified to teach.  Consequently, college graduates are coming forward and offering to teach the children in these deplorable circumstances.

Not surprisingly, the children and parents are stressed out.  They are despondent, suffering from low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal, depressed, and suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome.  Fortunately, the government is addressing some of these problems, but for many reasons, the people who need the help are not receiving assistance.

These children are very creative and expressive.  Many have been creating spectacular artwork and we are very fortunate to have received a collection of 100 Christmas cards designed by the children in Pakistan.  One can get a glimpse of the way they melded their culture with ours in their exquisite design of these cards.  There are colorful angels, candles, Christmas trees, snowmen, and sleighs decorate with paper and foam. These cards are on display during the month of December at the Redwood Library and Athenaeum’s Children’s Library located at 10 Redwood Street, Newport, Rhode Island, in the Ballard Annex building across Redwood Street from the Library’s main entrance.  I invite you to view the cards with your families.  The cards are available for purchase through Gail Cavanaugh, 401-380-7850.

At a time when our country is transitioning from the Industrial Age to the Information Age,  our children will benefit from viewing these cards in learning tolerance toward other cultures and developing an interest in developing their own talent.

Gail Cavanaugh, of Gail Cavanaugh's Business Solutions, Portsmouth, RI,  is a licensed independent life and health insurance agent in the state of Rhode Island with over twenty years of experience with insurance companies.