Colouring

We’ve been amazed that every time we get to the school, we find the kids eagerly awaiting their volunteer teachers. Their welcome is always so hearty- a humbling experience for us! This is definitely one of the reasons we keep going back, week after week.

Perhaps the main reason we remain consistent is seeing those who didn’t know how to read being the first ones to ask what we are going to read and write that day! It’s wonderful how they  appreciate the little things we do for them; and it only takes 2/3 hours a week!

Volunteering has taught me what a difference a few hours can make.  Some of the young men we met when we began teaching couldn’t even hold a pencil, and had no confidence to communicate with us. To see them confident enough to talk and colour makes me appreciate this opportunity. I know that our presence is highly valued by the students! .

Word Formation

Ever heard of consonant blends? I heard about them first at Kusoma Tu, teaching students.  I suppose I would never have learnt about them if I hadn’t volunteered with Kusoma tu Foundation. Apparently, a consonant and a consonant make a consonant blend!

One  learns a lot while teaching others. I never thought that the borstal institution students in Nairobi would be eager to learn and make  complete and comprehensive sentences. I never really even considered their need to learn. Sometimes, we offer them sweets for motivation to answer questions. Even the most silent light up and answer questions! It’s priceless to see their reactions when they answer questions correctly. These guys have never been affirmed at school before- it’s a big deal for them, and we’re honoured to be a part of it!

There’s boy who couldn’t read or write fluently but his sentences amazed me. He was branded as a non-reader yet he wrote, ”I took a straight nail and nailed the mail and pained it”.

This made me appreciate the work we do as volunteers  to help the kids. That’s why we say, ‘Volunteers make things happen’. Giving  time and simple incentives motivates the children and they eagerly await our weekly visits!