Monday Shock - something I never thought I'd read

As usual this morning, I grab my cup of ice cold water, head down to my computer after waking the kiddos - turn on my google homepage to read the latest CNN headlines - and right away, SHOCK and dismay. I have read a headline that I had thought to never read in my lifetime - something one might have read ages ago.

"Witch" Children Beaten and Tortured.

Wide awake and outraged I am.

Children throughout the world in places such as Nepal, Nigeria and Gambia have been charged by their familes has being child witches. They are beaten, starved and neglected for days, often weeks while their families and communities demand their confession. A child may have a medical condition such as epilepsy, or a learning disability or simply stubborness to be given such a name as "witch".

In fact, their are Christian Reverands in these countries that will point out a child as a witch for free if the child is brought to them for viewing. Based on the child's behaviors or body marks they may be branded the name and it will last for their entire lifetime.

Officials in the countries say that they do not have a problem with the belief system, or that the children are being called witches, the problem is that the children are being neglected and beaten. You think?

Children - dependent upon the care of the adults they are born into or left to for food, care and nurturing. Their voices are tiny and they need to be heard.

There was apparently a documentary broadcast last year, "Saving Africa's Witch Children," which I did not catch. I'd like to see it now.

I urge you to read the story and follow up on the efforts being made by Stepping Stones Nigeria and the United Nations.

There are so many problems in the world, including here that we need to be aware of and we need to do what we can to help. Blogging about it, is one way to raise awareness.

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