Kids Week

Objectives:

• To offer underprivileged children 1 week of constructive activities during the school holidays.
• To provide children with one cooked meal during this time while feeding schemes at schools have been closed.
• To equip children with life skills

A brief History

The Kenosis Kids week took place for the first time in the winter school holidays in July 2004. The idea was taken over from a similar programme hosted by the "Hillbrow Lutheran Church' in Johannesburg. 4 of the international volunteers working in Kenosis during that year had attended the 'Kids week' in Johannesburg during the Easter Break 2005 and their positive experience of this initiative was the prime motivation for Kenosis to take over this idea and adapt it to our enviroment. We are thankful for what could be learned from the initaive in Johannesburg. In July 2005 between 50 and 70 children attended and in December 2005 the number increased to between 100 and 120 and in July 2006 about 140 kids came along to join in the fun and games.

Where do the children come from?

The children attending this programme come from the local community around, as well as from the Kenosis Foster Homes. Kenosis works in close co-operation with the local Bishopstowe farm school, which has helped with inviting the children from the school to attend. Also children from our 'Out Reach Project' (See separate explanation) have attended.

What does the programme entail?

The programme is based on a Biblical theme into which 'Life Skills' are incorporated. The day begins at 09:00 with some sports and games. This session ends with juice and biscuits before the children go into the church where they spend an hour singing and listening to a Bible Story. After this the children go into groups where they discuss the story and how it relates to the topic of the day as well as their own personal lives and they do some creative activity around the theme. At 12:30 lunch is served and the afternoons are open for sports, creative activities and relaxing. On two of the afternoons we try and invite a speaker on a certain topic, to address the children. Topics covered: HIV/AIDS, Rape, Crime, Caring for creation and more.

The Future

Kenosis hopes to continue this project as it has been very well received by the Children, their parents, the local school as well as people who have helped initiate, organise and offer this programme.