Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Swimming lessons on a sunny day in Mombasa


Swimming lessons on a sunny day in Mombasa !!!

 

As a reward for behaving well and working hard, Standard 4 were taken to Sanana’s a local hotel that let us use their swimming pool for a small fee. I was fortunate enough to be asked to come and assist with the class. The morning was nice and sunny, perfect for a fun swimming lesson.
We began with splitting the class into groups according to abilities .Each volunteer was assigned a group to take away and help improve their level of swimming.
 

Some of the children were slightly nervous to put their heads under the water, but after a few minutes of practice and lots of encouragement from their volunteer mentor, everyone was in the pool and ready to start.

 

I was given a group of only two boys who were both quite competent swimmers. We practised breast stroke, front kick and they progressed on to a full crawl. By the end both boys were comfortably swimming lengths and even challenged me to a race! Which of course I let them win, well that’s my story and I am sticking to it!!
It was great experience to help and watch these children having so much fun and learning at the same time.  

 
The children from Olives never would have the opportunity to use a swimming pool as the cost of using these facilities could be a week’s wages to some of these families. But the beach is close by and it is free ,so it is important they do learn to swim not only so that can enjoy themselves in the water but also be safe. 

 

By volunteer Mike Porteous



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