Teaching Children To Love And Defend Their Nations

 

Teaching children to love and defend their nations without fear and compromise is a difficult responsibility which requires a thoughtful and nuanced approach. As young people who will grow into adulthood and occupy positions of authority, the children need to develop a deep understanding of their country's history, cultures, and values, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to its growth and development. 

* Fostering patriotism and national pride:

One way to encourage children to love and defend their nations is to foster a sense of patriotism and national pride. This can be achieved through:

1. Teaching national history:

Sharing stories of the nation's struggles (for independence), achievements, civil wars (if any), and contributions to the world, can help children develop a sense of pride and connection to their country. If the country has allies, friends, and enemies, do not hide it from the children. If parents and educators hide the truth of their national history from their children, the parents and educators will shoot themselves in the legs either in the short or long-run. The children may easily stray into the enemy's camp and be killed! For example, many years ago, when I was in the secondary school, I travelled to somewhere very far from my State of origin. The journey which started in the morning turned into a night journey. I reached the city by 1.30pm. I had no money to lodge into any hotel for safety. At that time, there was random ritual killings here and there. I was afraid because I had no place to pass the night. Everywhere was silent. I went to one police station and asked for a place to pass the night. The policeman asked me where I came from in Eastern Nigeria; and I answered him. Immediately I told him my place of birth, he sent for one police officer from my area to come and take me to his house. 

 I felt very happy and relieved. Within a short time, the man came for me. We went to his house together. His wife showed me the bathroom; and I went inside and had my bath. But, unfortunately for me, as he was discussing with his wife, I discovered to my utmost chagrin that my host was from a community that fought wars with my community. There was no love lost between us that time, and even till today. My host knew where I came from, but hid his own from me. The police sergeant at the police station thought that we were all the same people since we were from the same area and spoke the same vernacular. But, it was not so. There was a serious enmity between us that time. My parents told me several, several times at home not to do anything with them: marriage, friendship, business etc. So, immediately I realized where he came from, I quickly dressed up and went and thanked him. 

After that, I carried my bag, and went back to the police station without waiting for any word from him. The police sergeant was surprised to see me there again that late night. He asked me why I left the man's house. It was difficult for me to say that in a public place. After much insistence, I told him that it was not safe for me to pass the night there because we were enemies. Luckily, the police sergeant understood my point, and sent for another policeman from my place my area living in that place. When he came, I had to talk with him carefully to ascertain the specific community he hailed from. He was from the next village to mine. He even knew some men from my village who were living in USA and UK at that time (but they are late today). Could you believe that that policeman who first came and took me to his house did not come to the police station after leaving him?  Before leaving his house, I thanked him for his magnanimity though I was unable to give him the details why I left. I knew that he knew it very well within him. I am not saying that the man would have done this or that to me. But, at least, I had to obey what my parents repeatedly told me for many years! If they had given me food before knowing them, I would have eaten it because I was very hungry and fagged out. I trusted them too initially. Wars do not always end at the battlefields. Wars could prolong for ages clandestinely. After the official abolition of the slave trade in Britain in 1807, and in USA in 1808, human trafficking still continued unabated till 1867. I cannot tell what would have happened to me if I had eaten, drunk, and slept in the enemy's house. Tell your children the history of yourself, community, and country. If not, they may walk into the enemy's camp.

2. Celebrating national holidays:

Participating in national holidays and celebrations can help children understand the significance of these events and develop a sense of national identity. 

3. Promoting cultural heritage:

Introducing children to their nation's cultural heritage, including music, art, literature, and traditions, can help children appreciate the values and diversity of their country's cultures.

* Developing critical thinking and civic engagement:

To defend their nations without fear or compromise, children need to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills and a strong sense of civic engagement. This can be achieved through:

1. Civic education:

Teaching children about their rights and responsibilities as citizens, as well as the importance of active participation in the democratic process. 

2. Encourage critical thinking and reasoning skills:

Encouraging children to think critically about national issues and events can help them develop a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges facing their country. 

3. Promoting community services:

Engaging children in community services and volunteer works can help them develop a sense of social responsibility and understand the value of contributing to their community. 

* Balancing patriotism with global awareness:

It is essential to balance patriotism with global awareness and understanding. This can be achieved by:

1. Teaching global citizenship:

Children should be taught that they are both citizens of their country and the world. They have responsibilities both to their country and the world. Introducing children to different cultures, traditions, and personal perspectives, can help them develop a broader understanding of the world and their place in it.

2. Encouraging empathy and tolerance:

 Fostering empathy and tolerance towards people from diverse backgrounds can help children develop a more nuanced understanding of national and global issues.

3. Promoting international cooperation:

Encouraging children to participate in international exchange programmes or collaborative projects can help them develop a sense of global citizenship and cooperation.

In conclusion, teaching children to love and defend their nations without fear and compromise requires a thoughtful approach that balances patriotism with critical thinking and reasoning skills, civic engagement, and global awareness. By fostering a deeper understanding of national history, cultures, and values, while also promoting critical thinking, empathy, and global citizenship, we can help children develop the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to their nation's growth and development, while also being mindful of the complexities of the global community.

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