A Calabash of Water, A World of Weight
A Calabash of Water, A World of Weight by Franca Ossai
She walks barefoot on the dusty path, balancing more than just a calabash of water on her head. In her small frame lives the strength of generations—a quiet resilience wrapped in the grace of tradition.
This is more than a chore. It is a rite of passage in many rural communities, where childhood often bows early to responsibility. While some children play with dolls or scroll through screens, others—like her—rise at dawn to fetch water, tend fires, and carry the weight of survival on their tiny shoulders.
Yet, even in this burden, there is beauty. The curve of the calabash, the steadiness of her walk, the quiet pride in fulfilling her role—these echo the cultural rhythms that shape her world.
But what if she could just be a child? What if resilience wasn’t demanded so young?
This image reminds us to honour her strength, but also to question the cost. In telling her story, may we advocate for a world where every child is free to be just that—a child
Comments
Hon Amb Elisco G Golden
Educating , mind touching , We should lay a better foundation for our children for they are our future. Say no to "CHILD ABUSE" Say no to "Child negligence" Say no to "Bad Parenting" Say no to "Stubbornness" As a Child be of good conduct and respect your parents book of Ephesians As a Child knows that you are the future be steadfast and upright in your dealings Look beyond the storms of life cos after the storm comes shine 🌟 There is a light after the dark tunnel A nice and fantastic write up that will make a mind-blowing blockbuster movie that will educate our society Thank you very much for putting up such awesome piece that will transform the world my Amiable dogged workaholic Registrar God bless you
Hon Amb Elisco G Golden
Educating , mind touching , We should lay a better foundation for our children for they are our future. Say no to "CHILD ABUSE" Say no to "Child negligence" Say no to "Bad Parenting" Say no to "Stubbornness" As a Child be of good conduct and respect your parents book of Ephesians As a Child knows that you are the future be steadfast and upright in your dealings Look beyond the storms of life cos after the storm comes shine 🌟 There is a light after the dark tunnel A nice and fantastic write up that will make a mind-blowing blockbuster movie that will educate our society Thank you very much for putting up such awesome piece that will transform the world my Amiable dogged workaholic Registrar God bless you
Hon Amb Elisco G Golden
Educating , mind touching , We should lay a better foundation for our children for they are our future. Say no to "CHILD ABUSE" Say no to "Child negligence" Say no to "Bad Parenting" Say no to "Stubbornness" As a Child be of good conduct and respect your parents book of Ephesians As a Child knows that you are the future be steadfast and upright in your dealings Look beyond the storms of life cos after the storm comes shine 🌟 There is a light after the dark tunnel A nice and fantastic write up that will make a mind-blowing blockbuster movie that will educate our society Thank you very much for putting up such awesome piece that will transform the world my Amiable dogged workaholic Registrar God bless you
Ughojor John Terry
A powerful and evocative piece that beautifully captures the duality of resilience and sacrifice in childhood. While the imagery of tradition and strength is moving, it also compels us to ask: At what point does cultural practice become an unfair burden on children? Shouldn’t access to basic resources (like water) relieve them of such weight? This isn’t just about one girl—it’s about the systems that normalize childhood labor in the name of tradition. How do we honor heritage while ensuring every child has the freedom to simply *be*? A call to reflection, and hopefully, to action. Well-articulated, Franca!
Chiamaka Nora Lazarus
A thought provoking piece. But come to think of it. With the high rate of juvenile delinquency in this present generation, one would our cultural upbringing of the old ways has it's beauty in forming the personality we become later on. The picture of the young African girl is a beauty to behold and reminds us of how far extinct our cultures has become.
Gochua
A Calabash of Water A World of Weight is the natural wealth and beauty in what is supposed to be the way of life of our people. In our changing world let’s take a deep breath on behalf of all that truly toil
Tito Wizzy
A cslabash of water potray the dignity of being an African child.. The struggles, the strength, the sacrifices, all shapes us into an amazing adult... Africa will be great again..
Jerry Oghenevwede Kekeghe
The picture of this African child portrays naturality and unwavering dedication, humility and usefulness of the child to domestic assignments and the society at large. I'm proud to be an African!