Family values build children
I am reading Hillary Rodham Clinton's book It Takes a Village. The title means to say that it takes a village to raise a child. Village is no longer defined as a geographical unit or a community organization, but is perceived in its essence as a network of values and relationships that support and shape human lives. The title originates from an old African proverb and the author chose it because it offered a timeless reminder that children will thrive only if their family thrives and if society cares for them. In the Oxford Advanced Dictionary "thrive" means "to grow strong and healthy."
The book contains 18 chapters, of which all are thought- inspiring and instructive in dealing with a wide range of problems with the upbringing and education of children. It deals with the life tools needed by the bread-winning father and the homemaker mother to serve the child's and the community's security, and the family's task to help children develop discipline and character building.
A few lines mention Indonesia in connection with a community clinic program in a rural district the author has visited. She commends the clinic's pregnancy planning program as the best model for empowering parents and educating them about the essential resources for supporting their children.
One chapter considerately refers to a letter written by a nine-year-old boy, James Darby Jr., a few lines of which read: "Dear Mr. Clinton, I want you to stop the killing in the city. I know you can do it. Do it. Somebody might kill me. Your friend, James."
Nine days later, the boy, so it is told, was tragically shot in the head during a shooting incident in his neighborhood.
In another chapter dealing with the well-being of children, families and communities, the author quotes a passage from a 1991 pastoral letter titled Putting Children and Families First, issued by the U.S. Catholic Conference.
The pertinent quote expresses a bottom-line truth, which reads: The undeniable fact is our children's future is shaped by both the values of their parents and the policies of our nation.
Since children are raised in the family under the care of parents, it is only appropriate to place the values of parents first in importance.
SAM SUHAEDI
Jakarta