By Sarah Njenga | TIES Kenya Representative
This quarter we focus on Sharon's story, at the JEVA (Jina Educational Volunteers Association) project in her hometown of Siaya in Nyanza region in Kenya. We were so thrilled that the project offered her the opportunity to intern for a second year. Sharon was excited to interact with the staff and beneficiaries; especially the pupils and students, across the various schools in the area supported by the JEVA project.
Sharon particularly highlighted the art therapy activity as her most enjoyable and impactful.
"... This is a game where you place numbers, letters, and animal pictures in a playing space. It relieves the brain, mind, and body after studies and tedious days. We played this game in the evening and on weekends after studies. It is like card games and chess; the more you place the more you win a lot of cards...''
The children were also allowed to go and play the game at home with their siblings. It was fun to teach because it was simple and easy to understand and remember. This activity kept everyone at the office busy throughout because Sharon for instance, was tasked with organizing the playing space (chairs and tables) every day. Three primary schools participated, namely, Jina, Marenyo and Jina Rembe. The turnout for the activity exceeded project expectations; 50 kids participated versus the 25 anticipated. Teachers of the participating schools were also allowed to play in the evening after their class lessons.
Sharon also did school visits to the three schools above, to follow up on the overall progress of the JEVA beneficiaries.
"...My role was to inquire about how the student was doing, if he/she was making progress in studies, and assist in identifying challenges they face and solutions. This enabled me to apply my knowledge in counseling psychology since I had to offer counseling services to some of our children. I want to thank TIES for this greatest opportunity and I am looking forward to returning to JEVA for my official attachment next year, after finishing my third year of studies..."
TIES catered for Sharon's transport cost throughout the 4 months of the internship; from May to August. This is made possible by the donations from our supporters. Please take a look at our project, link below, and kindly join and support our work to help girls like Sharon get a good university education and experience in Kenya.
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