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Good Morning. A saying that I find joyous, even hopeful is 'out of the mouths of babes' - it points to a refreshing truth that can burst through tough times or blinding politics. It comes from psalm 8 written around 970 BCE which continues 'out of the mouths of babes thou hast ordained strength.' and it has struck me that in our conversation about children returning to school after Lockdown and - despite their remarkable resilience - we may be in danger of expecting children to have a strength of spirit beyond their years. After all, they have witnessed adults frightened by news and I expect most homes have not been able to shield them from the surrounding idea of many deaths. Whilst many have enjoyed time with family and found creativity in home schooling, children may have also been in homes where jobs were lost, food was scarce, domestic violence has risen and grandparents or those who are ill are isolated. In the Christian, tradition - today is the eve of Pentecost when the disciples are in a locked room afraid of the outside world when suddenly, they find themselves speaking in a universal language or in the languages of all cultures. No voice is left out - as the Holy Spirit comes through. On this eve of easing Lockdown, behind closed doors some have found a community spirit, while others have been silenced. It's been estimated that only one in eight child abuse cases are reported. The NSPCC say they are mostly reported by teachers, social workers and youth workers who notice things or have small conversations that are hard to do or see on a video screen. Even neighbours haven't been able to keep vigil in a time of retreat. This April, Bernado's released a report which estimated that during Lockdown there will have been an increase in children's mental health problems, gang conflict and domestic violence and abuse - most of which is as yet not reported. Opening our doors to take children back to school after Lockdown is a positive sign to be welcomed but it is also a careful and vulnerable time. Six year old children will be playing in playgrounds whilst keeping social distance with their friends. Not easy. This pandemic will be part of our history for generations to come. So many stories of inequality and abuse will deserve to be heard for us to move forward in a real and inclusive way. All our children will need the love of family, neighbours, care sector and government more than ever. Not only will they look back and ask what opportunity the adults made of this time but they will also ask how we helped them find their voice.
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