Kindezi The Kongo Art Of Babysitting Free Pdfl

Kindezi: The Kongo Art of Babysitting

Kindezi is a term that refers to the traditional practice of communal childcare in the Kongo culture of Central Africa. It is also the title of a book by Kimbwandende Kia Bunseki Fu-Kiau and A.M. Lukondo-Wamba, published in 2000, that explores the importance and benefits of this African tradition .

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The word kindezi comes from the root ndezi, which means "to take care of a child" or "to babysit". The prefix ki- indicates the art or skill of doing something. Therefore, kindezi means "the art of babysitting" or "the art of taking care of a child". The ndezi are the babysitters, who can be anyone in the community, such as relatives, neighbors, friends, or elders. They are not paid for their service, but they do it out of love and respect for the children and their parents .

The authors of the book argue that kindezi is not just a simple act of babysitting, but a complex and holistic system of education, socialization, and spiritual development for both the children and the ndezi. They claim that kindezi provides extensive value and service to both society and the individual child, making for a cohesive, unified community. They contrast kindezi with the Western model of childcare, which they criticize as being individualistic, materialistic, and alienating .

The Concept of Kindezi

The concept of kindezi is based on the Kongo worldview, which sees life as a dynamic process of growth and transformation. The Kongo believe that every human being is born with a living sun (n'sânsi), which is the source of life, energy, and creativity. The living sun needs to be nurtured and protected by the community, especially during childhood, when it is most vulnerable. The living sun also needs to be stimulated and challenged by various experiences and activities, so that it can grow and shine brighter .

The role of the ndezi is to help the child develop his or her living sun to its fullest potential. The ndezi do this by providing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual care for the child. They also teach the child various skills and knowledge that are relevant to the child's stage of development and interests. The ndezi use various methods and tools to facilitate learning, such as songs, stories, games, proverbs, rituals, and symbols. The ndezi also expose the child to different aspects of the Kongo culture and society, such as language, history, values, norms, customs, arts, crafts, and sciences .

Children in the Hands of the Ndezi

The book describes how kindezi operates in different stages of childhood, from birth to adolescence. The authors explain how the ndezi cater to the specific needs and characteristics of each stage, while also preparing the child for the next stage. They also highlight how kindezi fosters a sense of belonging and identity for the child within the community .

• Birth to two years: This is the stage when the living sun is born and needs to be protected from harm and evil influences. The ndezi provide constant care and attention for the newborn baby, who is seen as a sacred gift from God. They also perform various rituals and ceremonies to welcome the baby into the world and to ensure his or her health and happiness. The ndezi also start to introduce the baby to basic language skills and sensory stimulation .

• Two to six years: This is the stage when the living sun starts to shine brighter and needs to be stimulated by various activities and experiences. The ndezi encourage the child to explore his or her surroundings and to learn new things through play and imitation. They also teach the child basic skills such as counting, reading, writing, drawing, singing, dancing, cooking, farming, etc. The ndezi also instill moral values such as respect, honesty, cooperation, responsibility, etc., through stories and examples .

• Six to twelve years: This is the stage when the living sun becomes more independent and needs to be challenged by more complex and diverse tasks and problems. The ndezi help the child to develop his or her cognitive, creative, and critical thinking abilities, as well as his or her social and emotional skills. They also expose the child to different fields of knowledge and wisdom, such as history, geography, mathematics, science, philosophy, religion, etc. The ndezi also prepare the child for puberty and adolescence, by explaining the changes that will occur in his or her body and mind .

• Twelve to eighteen years: This is the stage when the living sun reaches maturity and needs to be integrated into the adult society. The ndezi guide the child through various rites of passage that mark his or her transition from childhood to adulthood. They also help the child to find his or her role and purpose in life, as well as his or her potential partner and spouse. They also support the child in facing the challenges and opportunities that come with adulthood .

Conclusion

The book concludes by emphasizing the importance and relevance of kindezi in the modern world. The authors argue that kindezi can offer a viable alternative to the Western model of childcare, which they claim is failing to meet the needs and aspirations of many children and families. They also suggest that kindezi can contribute to the global peace and harmony, by fostering a culture of love, respect, and cooperation among people of different backgrounds and beliefs .

The book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Kongo culture and philosophy, as well as anyone who is involved in childcare and education. It is also a source of inspiration for anyone who wants to practice kindezi in their own lives and communities.

References:

• Fu-Kiau, K.K.B., & Lukondo-Wamba, A.M. (2000). Kindezi: The Kongo Art of Babysitting. Baltimore: Black Classic Press.

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