Tap, tap, tap! That’s the tiny sound on our huge metal closure anytime after 1 PM on Mondays and Thursdays. The little people in our neighborhood come to play, sing, jump rope, do crafts, and enjoy our small-to-us, huge-to-them array of toys. Officially, our after school program runs from 2-4 PM, but that’s for people who can tell time, have a watch, and/or are bound by such constraints. They trickle in at first, and some don’t arrive until after 3 PM, but they join in the activity in progress. Some come on their own, and parents or siblings escort a few. On Monday, our special feature was stringing foam beads to make bracelets (bangili). Our adult helpers (Kiswahili lifelines from among our students) were every bit as enthusiastic to participate as well as help.
Audrey loves to demonstrate his amazing jump rope skills—he can run in and then jump (barefooted, of course) about 60 revolutions. No one can touch him! Yesterday we endeavored to teach them “right” and “left” before we sang the Hokey Pokey (which they adore)! We enlisted the eldest boy as our assistant, used keshoto and kalia so the littlest ones knew what was going on. I THINK we made some progress, although they like shaking “your whole self” the best of all.
I have to tell the truth—it’s exhausting, especially in the heat after teaching for three hours or more, BUT it is a joyous time. Despite the toys, the songs, the crafts, the cups of water, there is one thing that they really crave from us—it’s just US! They love the attention and the time they spend here. It’s such a thoughtful way that the leadership of Give a Heart to Africa pours back into the little community where we live.
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