Standard four head to public beach with GVI volunteers
How exciting to spend a day at the beach with the children of Standard 4. I don’t know who was more excited, us or the kids. Surprisingly some of the children have never been to the beach before so we wanted to make it an extra special day they will remember for a long time.
The first challenge was to fit 12 children and 8 adults into a matatu which normally seats 14, but guess what, we did it! With the radio on the children sang along and their enthusiasm was infectious. As the matatu drove down the track the kids couldn’t wait to hit the beach and dive into the sea.
GVI volunteer Erika walks the kids to public beach
We found our spot on the beach and made a make shift dressing room for the kids to change into their swimming gear. They jumped and rolled in the sand exfoliating their skin with the beautiful white soft sand. Then they ran into the sea kicking and splashing, there is nothing better than seeing kids play, laugh and have fun, forgetting all their troubles for just a few hours. We showed them how to float on their backs, splash around and play catch with the football. As a special treat we hired a paddle boat and all 12 children piled on for a paddle out into the ocean, what fun.
All this swimming and playing soon built up an appetite so we gave out sandwiches and lots of water. The kids continued to play in the sand, playing football and burying each other in the sand. After one last rinse in the sea we finished the day with ice-creams for all, how refreshing! Then it was time to board the matatu and head back home. As on the way the kids sang along to the radio and it was agreed, a great day was had by all.
The gratitude and appreciation shown by the kids is priceless and makes you feel humble for some of the simplest things we all take for granted. We loved it – absolutely fabulous.
- Amanda Poxton
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