In a world where we as adults are finding it hard to make sense, how and what do we teach our children about injustices and sufferings dominating the headlines? There is no doubt that it is crucial to educate our children about empathy, tolerance, and a commitment to human rights, but approaching sensitive topics like genocide and injustice requires extra care and an age-appropriate approach.
Start with empathy. Empathy is the cornerstone of understanding injustice. Begin by discussing the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness. Children readily understand relatable scenarios, such as how it feels when someone is treated unfairly or unkindly. Encourage them to share their own experiences when they felt mistreated, like the time an older child may have bullied them at school. Through these relatable analogies, children begin to grasp the concept of injustices, brutality, and things being taken away from them that were rightfully theirs.
Children often find inspiration in historical figures who have stood up for fairness and justice.
An exemplary figure from Islamic history is Bilal (RA), a close companion of the Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him). Bilal, an Ethiopian slave who converted to Islam, faced unfair treatment due to his skin color and religious beliefs. However, the Prophet Muhammad treated him with kindness and made him the first person to call Muslims to prayer. This powerful story conveys that everyone, regardless of their origin or appearance, deserves respect and love. It serves as an inspiring example for children to emulate in their own lives.
Teach them about Palestine. We cannot deny the truth that the powers of this world are
conspiring to remove Palestine from the map, but we must not let our children forget about this land. We should share stories of times when Palestine was thriving; we should take them to Palestinian restaurants and introduce them to its culture, its heritage, and its food. Remind them of the beauty of Palestine so they may remember it and fight for it in years to come. It is also very important to empower children to take positive actions that can have profound impacts. Encourage them to share with children in Palestine through donations or other acts of kindness. This not only teaches the value of generosity but also conveys that people can work together to make the world a better place.
As adults, it is upon us to empower the next generation with the knowledge and values needed to create a more just and empathetic world.
Here is a short children’s story based upon fictional characters Layla and Omer, but the very real destruction of Palestinian olive trees by Israel as a means of disarming their means of earning, forcing them to leave their motherland.
The Story of Layla and Omer
Layla lived in a small Palestinian village nestled between rolling hills and groves of ancient olive trees. Every morning, she would wake up to the soothing rustle of leaves and the subtle scent of olives in the air. The olive groves held a special place in her heart, for they were the bearers of her family's history and dreams.
Layla's family had a special bond with the olive trees. Her grandfather used to say that these trees were like the guardians of their land, standing tall through generations and whispering tales of resilience to anyone who would listen. They were the key to their livelihood, a promise of a brighter future.
But one day, the winds carried a different story. The news spread like wildfire that some olive
trees had been destroyed, leaving only sorrow in their wake. Layla's heart sank, for she knew the significance of those trees—they were not just trees; they were a connection to the past, a hope for the future.
Layla could not bear to see her family so disheartened. With a determined spirit, she decided to investigate. As she ventured deeper into the groves, she came across a mysterious figure: a young boy named Omar. He, too, had witnessed the destruction and had a heart full of questions.
The two young friends began to unravel the mystery. They learned that some had tried to steal the olive trees' livelihood, with the belief that by taking away hope, they could erase the desire to return to the land.
Layla and Omar were not going to let their olive trees and their dreams be stolen. They decided to stand together and unite their community to replant the trees that had been lost. Each olive sapling represented not just a tree but also the resilience of their people and their determination to return to their homeland.
With the help of their community, Layla, Omar, and their friends planted new olive trees, each one a symbol of hope and home. They nurtured the groves with love, care, and the whispers of their ancestors. The olive trees stood tall once more, stronger and more resilient than ever.
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