Children deserve good names
May 15th, 2013 - by Godfrey Masauli in Malora, Malawi
When I was a young boy in primary school, my maths teacher once called me “Chigonkwiko!!” it is an ugly name and it has no English translation.
All i remember is that she used this language on me because I had failed to understand a simple maths question and she was angry. I felt small and worthless, like the name.
Sometimes, children in Malawi are not given fair names. First names with meanings like ‘Trouble’, ‘You Hate Me’, ‘You Killed Me’ are given to children as a remembrance of any hard/painful moments that parents go through during pregnancy.
This cannot contribute positively to child upbringing.
Some names can negatively affect a child’s concentration in school, especially as they get older.
Sometimes the names can be funny and classmates laugh at them. First names like Sausage, Bicycle, Rabbit etc..
I’m sure it feels good as a child to have a positive name, like ‘Blessing’, ‘Gift’, ‘Joy’, etc..
The most unique name I have ever come across belonged to a boy called ‘Happy’. His surname was ‘Nyuwere’ which means Happy New-Year! This boy was a true reflection of his name and he looked the happiest of his friends during the two days that I met him. I’m sure he took everyday as a new year!
May we give our children happy names :)
Godfrey
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