Seriti Institute · @Seriti_Inst
15th Mar 2013 from Twitlonger
CWP Erasmus supports Erasmus Kids Club 100%!
Our children are a vital link to the successful future of our communities. They need nurturing and education to blossom into the leaders we need them to be one day.
Back in 2008, Dr Rita Sonko of the Matthew K Lubega Foundation recognised this burning desire for greater access to early childhood learning, in communities where lack of resources and facilities are part of the daily struggle. And so it was that Kids Club was born.The pilot Kids Club programme was launched in Soshanguve and has since spread like wildfire. Erasmus is the latest community to be blessed with its very own Kids Club.
When Dr Sonko came to tell the residents of Erasmus about Kids Club, the Community Work Programme (CWP) participants of Erasmus could not contain themselves, they were so eager to get involved! In the Kids Club, they saw a fantastic development opportunity, and threw themselves wholeheartedly into this initiative. Fellow supporters include Dr Sesoko, the Church of Christ, Moruti and mme Moruti Mosala.
A second home to over 100 kids ...
Kids Club is a wonderful haven for over 100 Erasmus children, ranging in age from 3 to 18. Eight CWP participants work as Kids Club facilitators. They run a book club where stories are read, and fascinating conversations are encouraged. Our talented facilitators also run poetry sessions, arts and crafts lessons, drama classes and music workshops. This is cultural enrichment at its finest, and the raw talent that has been exposed, is nothing short of astounding!
In order for the mind to function optimally, the body needs to be in good condition. Physical vitality is achieved by means of volleyball, soccer, netball and basketball activities, for which CWP facilitators give coaching. The Club’s doors are open weekdays and Saturdays.
Community mapping ... the big picture
CWP Erasmus is pleased to be involved in ‘mapping’ the community to get a picture of the number and location of children and parents/guardians per household. The benefits of this exercise amongst others, is to establish communication with parents in the neighbourhood. Dr Sesoko encourages parental involvement on all levels. The response has been overwhelming, with one parent expressing great relief at the fact that the Club has literally ‘lured’ the youth away from the streets, to a place that will help them grow into upstanding community members.