The Saturday Program is the foundation of our OVC services. The children come once a month for educational and recreational activities. This year we realized that the reading level of these children is very low. We have children in Standard 3 who can not read or write. In response to this we used the Saturday Programs to do literacy activities with the children. They can now all write their names. They each received a notebook to use to practice at home.
With the funding from M.W.A.N.Z.A.e.v. we were also able to provide them with a nutritious lunch of beans, rice, green vegetables and fruit. I’m sure that for some of the children this is their favorite part of the program.
We received a donation of Legos which the children were fascinated with. They worked together in groups to build whatever they wanted. Houses were a popular choice. Through these recreational activities we try to promote creativity, problem solving and working together as a team.
The children in Standard 5-7 often are given activities that include small group discussions. They must choose a secretary for their group and a presenter who will share with the larger group. Through these activities we hope to build their self-confidence and to develop leadership skills that will benefit them in other areas of their lives. By providing the children with a strong foundation during Primary School they have a better chance for success in Secondary School and beyond.
On behalf of everyone at Uzima Centre we want to thank M.W.A.N.Z.A.e.v. for supporting our OVC Program.
Sincerely, Joanne Miya – DIrector