Another beautiful sunny day in Layibi, perfect conditions for the ‘Children’s Fun Day’! And what a FUN day it was…
As I was filling up my balloons with water for the obstacle course activity, I Iooked up at the surrounded TEAMS compound to see many smiling little faces peering through, waiting to be let in. As the gates opened I could hear their delightful voices, laughing and chatting.
I’d heard about the stampede of over 200 kids storming through the gates on previous fun day’s. So I was shocked to see such order among them. Not at all what I was expecting!! However, I think this was credit to the strict crowd control on the gates by TEAMS workers Jody and Faith! They had the kids marching in a single line towards the various activities. Also managing to weed out those NOT between the ages of 2-13!!
It was touching to see the boys and girls being blessed by playing the various games such us football, penalty knock out (trying to out smart the goalkeeper), rounders, cricket, obstacle course race, arts and craft and crèche. It was touching because for most of these kids will never have such toys or games at home to play with. I’ve seen many of them making their own playing equipment like kites made from carrier bag and using the wheels of bicycles to play with. So having an actual games equipment like the blow up goal and being able to draw using crayons must have been a treat! Small things that children in the UK take for granted. Also for the older kids who have responsibility of looking after their younger siblings, they could leave them at the crèche and enjoy being a child themselves.
It was also great to see how TEAMS staff were building a social relationship with the local children in the community. In the groups I had for the obstacle course I saw them grasping the idea of teamwork and encouraging each other to do well in the obstacles. One boy at the start had a very aggressive attitude towards the other kids almost wanting to bully them. However, after speaking to him through an interpreter, (I told him if he didn’t behave he’ll have to leave, he needed to be good and encouraged him with a smile) his whole countenance changed. He was the most supportive person in the group.
The next day I met this young boy on the road, as I was walking from seeing the adult literacy class that TEAMS launched in a nearby community. He was so joyful and had the biggest grin on his face when I said hello and recognised him. It made me realised that his aggressive style of communication may have been the only way he knew, from what he had seen around him. It made me realise that the work TEAMS does on the Fun Day, not only gives the children in the local community a social outlet. But it instils discipline, builds character change and demonstrates that they are loved and cared about. Feeding not only their bellies with treats like banana’s and sweets!! But feeding their spirit- through the word taught, soul – showing love by demonstrating a new way of acting and correcting negative attitudes and mindsets, lastly their body – providing joyful physical activities.
It’s very promising to see that the future of Gulu is not neglected and some steps have been taken, starting with a local community to inspire and educate the future generation.