Last Week in Numbers

110 children attended the Kindu Klub and Playgroup

110 children received a hot meal

77 children used the Kindu library

50 played football

46 young children washed at the Kindu compound

10 home visits were carried out by the Sponsorship team

5 families received medical support

The Kindu Klub Speaks Up!
Contribution by Maria Gerth-Niculescu – A Kindu Trust Ethiopia Volunteer

Last Friday at the Kindu Trust compound – all members of the Kindu Klub gathered together for a meeting under the colourful roof of the Playgroup area.

It was an opportunity for the children to share what sort of improvement or changes they would like to see within the Kindu Klub – a moment for them to speak their minds and see their Kindu Trust experience brought further– not by exterior factors, but by themselves.

It would be wrong to assume that children of such a young age (from seven upwards) are not in a position to hold a constructive meeting. During more than one hour of discussion, no shouting or other type of disorder was to be heard or seen; just an atmosphere of togetherness and mindfulness that could inspire many adults.

Kindu Klub members were invited to tell the adults what they thought.

It was striking to see how well everyone was able to listen to each other, while at the same time not being afraid to speak their mind. This allowed smart and constructive ideas to be brought into the circle.

For instance, some children attending private school after the holidays mentioned the fact that they would like to be given the chance to attend more field trips during the weekend. Because they rarely have the time to come to the Kindu Klub during the week, this would enable them to bond more with their Kindu Trust friends and reinforce the group spirit they are longing for.

Others suggested opening the library on Saturdays, where they are able to study in an appropriate and calm environment. Having noticed that the strengths of some might be the weaknesses of others, the children said that they also wanted to organize study groups so that they could help each other out with different school subjects. Many other ideas, such as the creation of a drama club or the implementation of computer-related lessons, were brought up and we hope that, in a couple of months, a new Kindu Trust play will see the light.

The general spirit of solidarity throughout the discussion was truly heart-warming and motivating – both for the children and the staff.  It is now up to us to try to implement these ideas and suggestions. The children did the thinking – The Kindu Trust will now do the practical part of the work through organization and administrative skills.

Happy Enkutatash!

A girl with traditional Enkutatash wild flowers! Image from http://bit.ly/1wg2p8I

September the 11^th will officially see Ethiopians across the country celebrating Enkutatash – Ethiopian New Year! On this day they’ll be welcoming in the year 2007, according to the Coptic calendar, which is followed in Ethiopia. The day is celebrated by going to church, sharing food as a family, singing New Year songs and exchanging bouquets of flowers. The bouquets are made of wild yellow flowers which grow in the highland at this time of year, symbolising the end of the rainy season. It is traditional for children to wear new clothes and distribute these flowers and hand painted pictures around the neighbourhood during the 3 days that Enkutatash is celebrated in the Gondar region. We wish a Happy Enkutatash to all the Kindu children and their families in Ethiopia!