I believe this phrase means the following.....In the process of growing and maturing everybody learns, not just from home, not just from parents, but also from friends, neighbors, teachers....because learning is a process of observing and absorbing. A person can raise a child in one particular way, but that child will be influenced by his/her surrounding by no less....therefore....to raise a child the way one would want him/her to turn out satisfactory..ofcourse according to that person's standard....is by finding the right environment most suitable for that person....and raise his/her child there.....because teaching is ultimately...not through words.....but rather a way of life. And vice versa from the above....it takes a child to raise a village...because wisdom is not necessary always come with age....sometimes...the best lesson learn comes from the simpliest thing, a single word, or just a look.....it all depends on the level of observation and openness from the perspective person....... Those are just my thoughts....if i'm wrong.....please correct, thank you =)

"It takes a village to raise a child." - This is from an old African proverb which basically means that the best environment within which a child may be raised is in a community, where the child can get all the love, support and guidance that he or she needs. It's based on the belief that a man and a woman cannot raise their child completely on their own -- they need the support of others to provide their child with the best kind of upbringing, and they can only do this through their village community. Raising a child entails a broader commitment not just from the parents themselves, but from the people around them. "It takes a child to raise a village." - I think this refers to the contribution of the youth to the betterment of the community. It's another way of saying that the youth, and not only the adults, have a role to play in improving their community. Contrary to what other people may think, the youth have a lot of contribute (like fresh ideas) to their community. Hope that helped ^^