By Monica Dan | Founder at Volunteers Foundation
In a world where a lot still needs to be done to reduce poverty, ensure equity and provide safe space for all, Volunteers Foundation provides, with your help, the physical space, in Kibera, Nairobi where the mind, body and soul can be nurtured. A space that fosters the blossoming of young minds.
THE PERFECT SCHOOL
Now, “with eyes shut try to imagine the perfect school. Ask the following questions: How would the pupils behave? How would the teachers take the lessons? How would the pupils and teachers feel at the end of the school day?”
Volunteers Foundation Academy, where from this January, 140 students aged 6 to 13 will be studying, is the small but functional and safe space in which positive reinforcement instead negative punishment is practiced, the space where plants and colours take the place of the dirt and grey shacks, the space where music has an important place as well as sport. The place where the small actions make a huge difference.
As such, the academic year starts with a lot of optimism. All the students in the program, not only those at VF Academy, make use of the space and look forward to seeing friends, learn and have fun. They look forward to making the most of this opportunity, to feel fit, happy, healthy and productive for this academic year.
There is so much to do between now and November and this year's students can expect a high quality and inspiring education. A safe place does not have to be a mansion but it can be a room, a house, or apartment that you can call your own. It can be a tree house on your roof; an apartment in your backyard or a donated space in a shelter.
For them we are preparing the school. In October, during the Volunteers Trip we advanced some of the compound works and the big and grey bordering walls changed look. They no longer are a dull monotonous colour, they are a colourful addition to the compound.
This week the classes will be painted with the help of our older students,
the compound cleaned and refreshed with the help of the parents and
the toilets replaced.
The garden will be taken care by our young students under supervision. This is what we do, together!
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
We started twelve years ago, it has been quite a journey and we continue on it. We are proud to say that all our 18 years old continue their education. They are part of that 3% of the population that goes to University and part of the 7% of the population that joins vocational trainings.
This is Volunteers Foundation and its Project Pamoja. Togetherness is what we need. "It unites us, gives us security, much-needed support and a sense of belonging, and encourages us to love one another."
To join Volunteers Foundation, the decision is simple. All you need is to share this page and help us continue changes lives for the better!
Learn more and share with friends about the program at www.volunteersfoundation.org and donate your time, talent or treasure today!
Until the next report,
Thank you and Happy New Year from the VF team
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