What better way to spend the holiday season than swimming by a waterfall? Or perhaps taking cooking lessons and tending to your garden? Playing games and enjoying sports like football and gymnastics? At Amani, schools closing for the holiday’s only means an opportunity for learning, growth, and fun.
The holiday season began for the children on December 6th, when schools had closed for Christmas and New Years. Although regular classes were not in session, some fun, hands-on trainings were held. These classes included topics on health and hygiene, spirituality, and the culinary arts. During the culinary session, students worked together to create cakes, scones, and other traditional foods! Each of these sessions provided an amazing way for children to learn how to better take care of themselves, cultivating their own personal interests and independence through the guidance and care of others. In between these sessions, children would tend to the animals and gardens at the residence, further establishing skills that will aid them in becoming strong and capable individuals.
In addition to the fun happening on the residence-grounds, children were given a rare opportunity to take a field trip through the town of Mto-wa-Mbu, where students learned about the local culture and agricultural activities of the region. Furthermore, the most beloved activity of all… swimming! Happiness knows no bounds when it comes to exploring a waterfall and the beautiful surrounding nature.
Perhaps the most important lesson of all is one unique to the holiday season, when friends and family come together. On Christmas Eve, children and their guardians reunited at Amani to participate in a feast. They helped prepare the food by sorting rice and cutting fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, children were able to have foods that they don’t regularly eat, making this event extra special.
Overall, it has been a wonderful holiday season at Amani! With the help of our amazing community of volunteers and donors, these children were provided with the ability to rest, heal, and restore bonds with their friends and loved ones. We are so excited to see what comes next for these amazing kids!
