Poem by Agaila

[editor's note: Agaila is a young woman from the Western Sahara who lived most if not all of her life in a refugee camp. She was given relief by Waupaca native Jon Peterson who arranged to have her brought to the U.S. to study.]

Saharawi Child


Saharawi child, take hold of a paper and pencil

and learn literature, math and science.


Saharawi child, sit closely by your elders

and listen carefully to the wisdom; this is the way which in the

future will come to your rescue.



Saharawi child, have your mind open to understanding.

Let wisdom be your best friend.

Let wisdom be your professor.

Let wisdom be your Father your Mother and your Brother.

Let wisdom embrace you; its path will never let you down.



Saharawi child, open your eyes to the world around you;

choose your friends wisely, let every choice be guided

by a good counsellor.



Saharawi child, take advantage of every opportunity

wherever you go, but don’t forgot your principles, language or

culture, or that you are “Saharawi!”



Saharawi child, accept every nation, every race and

every language and the door of blessing will be opened to your

house and to your nation. (Western Sahara)



Saharawi child, don’t be afraid of making mistakes or

be afraid of correction because that is where the lesson is and that is when

you will learn who you are, because you are valuable.



Saharawi child, share your seat with justice and reconciliation that

you may become the turban of peace.



Saharawi child, let the truth be the foundation of your dignity.

It will let your light shine and will build the walls of your generation and your nation.



Saharawi child, be independent!

Be strong

Be humble

Be kind

Be patient

Be honest

Be joyful

Be just

Be trustworthy

Be righteous

Be generous

Be diligent

Be faithful

and the favor of life will always be yours!



Saharawi child, listen, learn, grow, laugh, teach, forgive, love, share, trust, heal, hope,

dream, sing and dance; do this and you will never lose your smile.



This Poem is dedicated to all the Saharawi children, especially the children who lost their fathers in the war for the freedom of Western Sahara. Our nation depends on all of you.



Agaila Abba Hemeida



Student in the United States