This is a song that reflects on the effects of parental migration on children left behind. It explores the challenges faced by these children when parents leave in search of better job opportunities abroad, often resulting in a lack of parental care. Drawing inspiration from Chingiz Aitmatov’s White Steamship, which portrays a child’s experience of longing for a father figure, the song combines thoughtful poetry with the traditional Kyrgyz Komuz. Through its composition, it highlights the experiences of these children and raises awareness of the broader social implications of migration. The song is written and played by Symbat Zhanybekova (MAP young participant). It was performed at the MAP Impact Week 2023.
Life is full of challenges
There is no end to the things you have to do to make your living
People are seeking fortune and luck
They work day and night without resting and think:
“Does my child have clothes to wear?
Does my child have something to eat?
Is he hungry?”
In order to provide their children with everything
Parents are faraway working hard.
Fathers are like on board a white steamship
And children shout “White ship, stop!
They cannot swim like fish and catch up with that ship
They stay on the shore waving their hands.
Some people go wealth seeking
Others go seeking happiness.
Parents go seeking jobs
To ensure their children happy life.
Many children are left with their grandparents
But you can see in their eyes
How much they are missing their parents.
You feel as if you hear their souls crying
Time is a flying bird. It will never come back.
Children miss mother’s care and love
Whatever might be done to divert the kid from his feelings
He will still long for his parents to come back.
Let parents come back to their children
Let them stay with their children.
A poem by Symbat Z. “Let the parents return to their children”
Dialogue through Art
Advocacy for priority youth issues, raising topics using arts-based tools and making recommendations at regional and national levels.