Kindezi: The Kongo Art of Babysitting

by K. Kia Bunseki Fu-Kiau

Kindezi serves to provide an early education for African youth, therapy and a feeling of purpose for the aged, and liberation and independence for African women.

Genres: Relationships

41 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Cookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning how something that seems as insignificant as babysitting, is a very important role to play in the Kongo community. The book does a great job of highlighting its importance and how it contributes to the full circle of life. I think it would be a great contribution to society if we’re taken more seriously and if the act of babysitting were structured in a manner as demonstrated in the book.

[Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with concepts, ideas, and examples for raising and teaching children using traditional African methods. Must read for those looking for ideas and methods to incorporate more African traditions within their family.

[Joshua Alarcon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is full of opinions. Most of which are not backed by scientific evidence or data. Such as when the author claims that Africa is starving because all of the young children are now going to school, and they are no longer able to babysit, making the mother stay at home and not work. Another opinion is that men are never able to master tying the babies to their back. This is false. Nothing physically prevents a male from "mastering" tying a baby to their back. Author does a poor job of differentiating his personal opinions from actual objective truth.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindezi: The Kongo Art of Babysitting helps us re-center the child as the foundation for building our society. Its intergenerational, communal structure is designed to cultivate the fullest potential of the future, creating the conditions for everyone in the community to flourish. In Western, colonized societies, there is much we can learn from these traditions by reconnecting with our ancestral knowledge and rebuilding in ways that restore balance and harmony.

[Qua-niesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A way for society to get better.

[abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for class and was offended by “insane”, “dangerous”, “unfortunate”, & “psychologically unstable”, used to describe children whose conception originated from sperm banks or other artificial practices.