“And How Are The Children?”

“Kasserian Ingera” is the traditional greeting of the Masai tribe of Kenya and Tanzania. Africa. Translated, it means “and how are the children?”

What a beautiful greeting, signifying that the true measure of a community is determined by the wellbeing of its children.  At Main Street, we believe that is the single most important question to be asked every day.

And how are the children? Are they receiving the education, experiences and care that will be the foundation on which to build of future full of opportunity and hope?  Are we supporting our children’s families to access the resources they need to prosper, learn and achieve their goals?  Are we setting the highest possible standards, defining for our community the meaning and value of a high quality comprehensive early learning program?

And how are the children? What if it was the traditional greeting of our entire community? Would it raise awareness of the vital importance and awesome responsibility we have to prioritize the wellbeing of our children because we know that they will determine our future?

And how are the children? The traditional response to the Masai greeting is, “All the children are well,” meaning that if the children are well, the community has what it needs to be safe, peaceful and prosperous.

At Main Street, we strive every day to ensure a future where when the question is asked, “And how are the children?” we can all respond, “The children are well.”

*Inspired by Rev. Patrick T. O'Neill sermon: And How Are the Children?