By Alka Subramanian | Executive Director
Who attends Safe Park? “Safe Park” is Power of Love’s community outreach program and is free and open to all children in the community of Matero, in Lusaka, Zambia. Most children in this community are vulnerable and/or orphaned; they live with extended families, grandmothers or older siblings and face hunger, disease, abuse and neglect. As a result, they need counseling, and their families’ information about other organizations who could be help to them.
Here are stories about two children in Safe Park who were impacted by this program.
Peter is a 12- year old who attends “Safe Park” regularly and is always eager to be of assistance to the youth counselors. The counselors noticed Peter’s desire to work with them and made him responsible for a few duties, such as dividing children into groups, helping with set up of the play area for younger children, and getting other children ready for their educational workshops. Peter was thrilled with his assignments and executed them flawlessly. He is a role model for younger children; he inspires them to work hard and do better in every aspect of their lives.
Maria, a quiet 10-year old, attends Safe Park regularly and participates enthusiastically in all educational games and activities. For an educational activity, she drew a picture of herself as a teacher shared the picture and her dream of becoming a teacher when she grows up. The counselor explained that Maria could realize her dream if she worked hard at school. However, Maria got upset and started crying; it was discovered that she could not attend school as her mom did not have funds for a school uniform. After a few weeks of discussions, Maria’s mom was qualified and received business training and a loan to start a business. Maria is now in school and a happy 10-year old. “Safe Park” is linked to our micro loans and pediatric HIV care programs and this helps families enrol in multiple programs and take advantage of the comprehensive set of services offered.
Children like Peter and Maria get help with school work, learn about HIV prevention, and their families are referred to government clinics for counseling and testing for HIV, TB and cervical cancer. In addition, the children are happier as they get an opportunity to play, interact freely with other children, and mentor younger children. All program activities are designed to help the children learn life skills and to provide critical information (location of clinics for counseling) to family members. The result is a stronger and well informed family and community.
Thanks for your love and caring for orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia.
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