I have so many stories I want to share, so Ill try my best to share as many as possible by giving u the abridged version online, and those interested can come and ask questions when I return to the states.
Last night I got to sit-in with Family 8 during family time. Each families gathers around for an hour every evening to discuss their day. Every child in my family enjoyed their day, enjoyed school, and really enjoyed their clubs. One thing they all vented about was the need for shoes, specifically sneakers. I plan to organize a shoe drive when I get back to NY, so we can deliver the students with the sneakers they so very much need. In addition to the regular wear and tear, the boys are growing..and they grow out of their sneakers so quickly. They also play in conditions very different than what we're used to...their sneakers take a lot more abuse, and need to be replaced much more often. We need to collect sneakers and donate as many sneakers as possible to the students. The children also the world cup which will be played in africa, they discussed the upcoming presidential elections, the debated about whether or not families should sit together in the dining room, and the expressed a need for a barber in the village. Family time is a great way for the students to end their day, and a great opportunity for the students to share their thoughts, feelings and concerns with their mother, counselor, brothers + sisters.
Tonight in family time, Zoe and I will introduce a new program to the students, which should further help them express themselves.
We will be giving every child in the family a camera to use for the week to take photographs. At some point during the week we ask that the child return to the camera to sonia, their social worker/counselor. They will present their favorite photograph to sonia and share their thoughts about the photo..why they took it? Why its their favorite? What it means to them.
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