Last day at Help2kids

Today has been my final full day at Help2kids in Malawi and I was able to spend it with heaps of kiddies starting at the nursery school. It definitely was an interesting morning with 30 plus kiddies between 3 to 6 years. We started off by singing some songs and then moved onto the focus of today which was counting. One of the long term volunteers brought sheets with each number in different forms such as the number spelt out in English and Chichewa, the numeral and an object to count which was different to the usual way of teaching the numbers. And therefore the kiddies were full of enthusiasm shouting out what was being pointed to after the teacher first went through it with them. It took quite a few attempts and a lot of repetition before they started catching on obviously but was a fun way of learning.

 During break time I had a group of various aged kids and we were playing with a ball and counting as it moved from person to person. It was heaps of fun although it had a few challenges too as the kids can be quite competitive and reached out for the ball when it was being thrown to the child next to them…and then you can imagine how the scenario turned out…So after trying to put them into a circle spaced apart we finally got it right, at least for a while. Some of the older kids were hanging around too; I have no idea why they weren’t in school but be that as it may…we all played together. I think that break time is the best time for volunteers to be interactive with the children as we can come up with our own ideas and games with them. So there is definitely a bit more freedom during that time and we can either play games with them or try teaching them what they have been learning in our own way…or merge both.

 In saying that, my favourite part of the day has been Kids Corner, which takes place every day after school at around 14:30. Kids Corner involves the kiddies between 3 and 13 years and includes arts and crafts, games and activities. It is during this time that we, the volunteers, can do whatever we like and get to know the kids. I have had the opportunity to be involved in Kids Corner for the last three days and it has been amazing. Yesterday we had sports day so we were playing cards, ten pin bowling and football in rotation and the kids had a blast. 

Today was arts and craft so we had a few objects to identify at first including the colour, which was kept in a bag. The kids had to remember all seven objects because the other volunteer would only reveal six at a time and surprisingly their memory was pretty sharp with all the details. We then moved onto drawing these seven objects and the kids did so well in remembering them in their drawing, even some with spelling.

It was such a fun day and as it came to an end with the kiddies I said my goodbyes. However the hardest was visiting the Anna family and saying goodbye to them. I first spent some time with them chatting and taking heaps of pictures. But the time came nevertheless and the hugs were big squeezes and a few words. It was really sad saying goodbye to them! I really will miss their beautiful faces, energy and playfulness. They are such a wonderful family and they are one of my greatest memories in this journey, amongst many others.

My last day has arrived with Help2kids…and it has come at a lightning pace. I cannot believe I have already spent four weeks in this incredible village overlooking Lake Malawi and all the memories and experience I have built. There are many things that I have learnt whilst being here but most of all that as long as you have love and support, life is a beautiful story…no matter how much or little you have it’s about the small beauties in life…appreciate what you have and not what you missing…take your time and enjoy the journey and not only focus on the destination…share your compassion and kindness with others and take time to notice them…

I have packed my bags with hesitation but it is sadly time for me to go back to “my world” where a new journey will begin. Malawi will always be a great part of my soul and it has been an unbelievable journey…I am eternally grateful!!!