By Alka Subramanian | Executive Director
Happy Mother’s Day from our Zambian families. This Mom’s day give a gift of free and structured play to a child growing up in extraordinarily difficult circumstances in Zambia. Your ongoing support will provide a safe environment where children can engage in educational activities and games to help them grow normally.
Children from the community in Matero look forward to Saturday mornings when they can have fun by participating in games and educational activities via our "Safe Park" program. Age appropriate activities such as drawing, coloring, and Zambian games create the right conditions for children to play, learn, and interact freely with their peers irrespective of their HIV status. These activities go a long way in helping children cope with difficult circumstances, such as loss of a parent or sibling to HIV, their own HIV+ status and the associated stigma, and reconnect better with their extended families. Children who are shy and withdrawn before joining the program, start playing and chatting with other children and our trained staff after a few weeks. In addition, trained staff observe children, for signs of trauma, stress, grief or abuse and counsel/guide members regarding next steps. With continued participation, children, especially those growing up in extremely difficult circumstances, are better adjusted to their HIV+ status, and begin to feel a sense of belonging in their community. This helps in their normal physical and mental development.
"Safe Park" has been a big hit in the community, both with children and their families, as we see new children join us each week. More than 750 children have enrolled in this program and more than 75 participate each week.
Thanks for giving the joy of learning and playing to orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia.
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By Alka Subramanian | Executive Director and Founder
By Alka Subramanian | Executive Director/Founder
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