Jom

[Olùkọ́ Ọbádélé]

Jom

jom being determined to succeed, meet expectations
am jom have jom
nakk jom lack jom

Jom is being determined to succeed and meet the expectations of your parents, community, and country. Boys show their jom (courage, toughness) during circumcision. Girls show their jom (courage, toughness) when they are tattooed with thorns. You don't want to be the last in your group to do something, such as join the army, get married, etc.

Young men are encouraged to look at their role models (father, uncles), and they are expected to do as well financially and socially. Traditionally young men work with their fathers for four to six years, and then be ready to take over and provide for their parents. Modern life is changing some of the traditional ways.

Young ladies are encouraged to marry and take care of their own homes, family, and in-laws. When things get difficult and a woman returns to her own home, her family sends her back to work it out.

The new challenge for Senegalese is when young people move to the cities for an education. They may graduate from the university but are unable to get a job. Lack of jom is becoming more acceptable because of poverty.

Begging is the ultimate lack of jom.