Omapitiro Weyuva

Last item for the year

2011-11-23T10:01:00.008+02:00

Metaha

The year came to an end and different games were played with the kids to enoy the last day of the club for the year 2011. Two VSO volunteers joined the club and played some games with the children. The children had an opportunity to say what they enjoyed the most from the club activities during the year. They mentioned computer classes, sport and reading as the top 3 activities they enjoyed the most. We agreed to make a soccer and netball team next year and 4 children were nominated as team leaders for the sport groups.
The VSO volunteers promised to support the club next year by training more youth that should assist the club. This will be an opportunity to divide the club according to age groups to make it more manageable.

In conclusion, a Red Cross board member addressed the children on the importance of attending the club so that they can gain information and skills through the games.

It is time for the 3 year old boy to enjoy his apple.

Each child is trying to get the apple from the backet with the mouth

Lining up for refreshment after the long day of playing games

The children have to balance the ball with their arms from the one end to another.

The children got a plate with brochens and a sausage. The local shops donated food for a value of N$150.

Baby Hope with Alison, the Peace Corp volunteer. Hope will remained the center of the kids club for the year 2011!

Uharee nawa

Kakarandua

Series of activities

2011-10-06T13:57:00.022+02:00

Florence and her sister visit Blaundina and baby Hope

A child writes in his journal

The children show their birthday cards that they all made. So when someone has a birthday, they will be able to have a handmade birthday card made by one of their peers.

Some children playing soccer, a favorite sport of theirs.

Some children playing jump rope

Baby Hope

Some of the Omapititor Weyuva class volunteers

The children playing an outdoor game

Mrs Mutambo having a discussion with the girls

Some time past and several activities took place but could not be put on the blog due to the technology that failed the team. From now, the blog will be published every Wednesday. Let me just give you update on different activities that happened during this period.

Florence visit

Florence Ahlborne, a lady who is assisting the Omapitiroweyuva kids club and her sister, visited Opuwo in August. She met some of the kids at a church service where they welcomed her with a choir. They visited 2 volunteers at their homes and one teenage daughter that had to drop out of school due to pregnancy. She gave psychosocial support the daughter and one of the volunteer who just lost her child. The other volunteer whom she visited was Blaundina and her little Hope, who was 2 months by then. Florence gave bracelets to the children and these gift was very much appreciated.

Watching movies

The town of Opuwo experienced wind during the month of October and the children were forced to watch movies for 2 consecutive Fridays. Due to the large number of the attendance at the club, a movie does not require much space for movements as everyone will sit quiet and concentrates at the big screen.

Journals

It was time to make sure that every journal in the shelf has an owner and everyone has a journal. Some of the children left the club due to different reasons like changing of schools while some are not interested anymore. In the contrary, a large number of children joined the club this year and are really enjoying every Friday. It made them very much proud to have a journal of their own.

Uharee nawa

Kakarandua

Pictures

2011-09-02T12:44:00.004+01:00

Metaha/Good day

Find the pictures for the end of term post.

Children are supporting each other with the bicycle riding because the majority do not know how to ride.

Girls are gaining confidence on the double sit bicycle; only the 1 in the front sit know how to ride.

This group is having fun with puzzles while waiting for their turn with the bicycle

Please find more pictures and videos at the right side of the blog. If you read these posts, please let us know.

Uharee nawa/Cheers

Kakarandua

End of term

2011-08-28T06:22:00.003+01:00

Metaha

Last Friday was the last day for the second school term and children came in big numbers. The bicycle shop provided 3 bicycles for the children to learn how to ride. Two bicycles were used by the older children and a small one for the younger children. The children who know how to ride a bike were teaching those who don' know. Sometimes pushing the bike and telling the one who is ridding to look forward was the only way to teach. For many children it was the first time to ride a bike and focus was therefore a challenge.
While some were riding, the rest of the children were playing games. It was a lot of fun but also frightening for some children who never got a chance to ride a bike. Volunteers made sure that most of the children got a chance to ride. We realized that we should do more of this lessons until everyone knows.This Friday was the last day for the classes for this term and the children will go for the school holiday.

The computer where the pictures are saved is currently experiencing problems with connection to the internet and the pictures cannot be published with this posts. You will definitely see the picture in the next blog.

Uharee nawa/Cheers

Kakarandua

Shoe box gifts

2011-08-15T22:11:00.003+01:00

Metaha

64 children received gifts which were packed in a shoe box. In each box, there were items such as shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brush, pens, different pencils, some note books, toys and games. Each box was different from the other as it was given by individual children. These gifts were facilitated by a friend in Outjo, Wilma Schoeman, who got them from Netherlands. Early this year, Wilma requested for a list of children to get the donation, therefore only children who were in the club last year received the gifts two weeks ago.

The children who got games in their boxes were requested to donate them to the whole group. These games are kept at the office for everyone to play with. Last Friday, the children sat inside the office yard and chose games they wanted to play with; which varied from different puzzles, cards, dominoes, skipping robes, balls etc. Some games could be played by one person while others could be played in different group sizes.

Each child took part in different games as he or she wished.

It is real joy to watch children playing and enjoying themselves that much as we could see them jumping up and down with smiles on their faces.

The Omapitiro Weyuva club is extending its gratitude to the children in Netherlands who donated the shoe boxes, Wilma Schoeman and everyone who facilitated this process for the gifts to reach our club.

The twins are happy to receive their boxes

The puzzle brought these two so close to each other as they are constructing a car (toy)

The games encouraged the children to built team work among themselves.

Another group enjoying the card's game

Under the tree, assisted by a volunteer who illustrated some of the difficult games.

Uharee nawa/ Cheers for now

Kakarandua

Nemo, the lost fish

2011-08-03T12:27:00.006+01:00

Metaha/Good day

The children watched a movie about Nemo, a fish that was lost and eventually found. After they watched the movie, they were asked questions to test their understanding of the movie and how they could relate the story to the things that happened in their lives.

The children enjoyed the movie very much and could follow the story and answer the questions. To the question whether they ever had lost something valuable they mentioned to have lost siblings, pets ect. They started to tell stories of their own and how they struggled to find what was lost.

Watching movies is one of the activities the children enjoy the most.

Group pictures of the children that watched the movie

Uharee nawa/Cheers

Kakarandua

The winners for Etosha trip

2011-07-27T08:07:00.007+01:00

Metaha/Good day

Every child got a chance to read his letter about the trip to Etosha which they wrote last Friday about why they wanted to go on the trip. The aim was to select the five best letters according to the children's ages and grades. After every child read his letter, everyone took part in judging the presentations.

Here is a letter of one of the 5 winners, quoted as written:

"Why do you want to go to Etosha?

- because I want to explore different types of animals

- we also want to know in which group they belong either mammals, vertebrate or non vertebrate

- we also want to know their names so that if one day we see it at our village we will remember it

- we also want to see where they are kept as many as they are

If you were a giraffe and you are in Etosha what will you do?

-' I will be sad for the first time and the next day I will start playing with my friend.'

This letter was written by a grade 8 daughter.

We hope to undertake the trip to Etosha in the coming school holiday depending on the availability of funds.

Cheers for now/ Uharee nawa

Kakarandua

The five children that won the Etosha trip

Competition for Etosha tour

2011-07-20T05:49:00.004+01:00

Metaha/Good day

Dear friends, let me inform you that 15 children will visit Etosha game park during August/September school holiday. 5 Children from the 3 districts will be chosen to visit the game park. From the Omapitiro Weyuva kids club, children wrote articles to compete for this tour. Last Friday, they were given different topics to choose from, such as: Imagining a life of an animal in the park; what would you do if you were that animal; what would do if you were an animal trainer and different other questions related to the game life. The best articles will be chosen next Friday and all the children will take part in the selection of the best 5 articles.

Writing articles to win the trip to Etosha.

Playing outside is always great fun!

Uharee nawa/Cheers

Kakarandua

Games

2011-07-13T14:49:00.006+01:00

Metaha/Good day

The children came in big numbers last Friday and played different games in the office yard.

Cat and Mouse

In this game children stood in a circle while holding their hands. One kid played as a mouse and another one as a cat. The mouse went through the holes of the circle while the cat is chasing him going through the same hole as the mouse did. If the mouse reach the place where he was standing, he won.

Human knot

Children were holding hands with two different people. In this game, after every hand is held, every person turns around while keeping the knot tight. This was a tough one for them.

Green light, Red light

Children stood at a distance while a volunteer was standing in an opposite point. When the volunteer lifted up a green object, children run towards the volunteer. If he lifted up the red object they stopped. This game was played in two groups with one of younger children and one of older children.

It was great fun and it was amazing watching the children how they seriously took part and enjoyed the games.

The mouse is making sure that she is safe

Reaching the end point after the green object has been lifted was a big achievement

The older children suddenly stopped by the red light

The human knot. The young ones making sure that they hold hands with two different people

Uharee nawa/Nice day

Kakarandua

Little Hope

2011-07-05T16:41:00.006+01:00

Metaha

Blaundina, the volunteer that is assisting with the Omapitiro Weyuva club got a baby girl. She needed medical attention though after she went beyond her delivery date and had to go to Outjo, 400km from Opuwo. In Outjo, she was assisted by a friend, Wilma, to get attention as soon as possible. She was admitted the same day and gave birth to little Hope in the early hours of the next day 21^st June 2011. Wilma and Maria assisted her so much and gave her baby clothes and blankets which they collected from their friends. This was a group effort from friends who contributed assistance in different forms such as accommodation, clothing , food and transport.

Blaundina and little Hope eventually came back to Opuwo and were welcomed by Red Cross staff and family members. Children at the Omapitiro Weyuva club made congratulation cards for them.

Uharee nawa

Kakarandua

Blaundina and little Hope.

Smiling already!

Red Cross Staff visited Blaundina and Hope

7 days old Hope is ready to meet the world!

What is more wonderful than the happiness of a new born baby!

Uharee nawa/Cheers for now

Kakarandua

Congratulations Blaundina

2011-07-05T12:34:00.010+01:00

Metaha

The children were very excited to hear the news that Blaundina gave birth to baby Hope. They made cards to congratulate her and to welcome little Hope. They got into groups to discuss and to design the cards. They were provided with scissors, glue, coloured paper and coloured pencils which they used to make the cards.

A group from South Africa donated hats for the winter and every child that came for the Friday club, got one. The children also made thank you cards to show their appreciation for the donation.

To motivate them to come for the class despite the absence of refreshments, the children were informed what activities will be done before December, including a pool party and a trip to Epupa Falls.

Finally everyone proudly showed off their cards in the picture. A group photo was then taken before they went home.

Uharee nawa

Proudly posting for the picture

Neatly designed card, done by a group of girls

The little boy was lucky to do something for someone on his first day to attend the club. He joined the club last Friday for the first time after he came with his mom to look for assistance.

Group photo with cards and hats

Drama

2011-06-29T13:11:00.006+01:00

Metaha

On Friday the youth participated in a creative writing assignment and drama that focused on non-verbal communication. They divided into four groups, with each group having a different question. They discussed situations such as, “What if there was an elephant chasing you?” or “What if your hair grew 30 centimeters every day?”. They then brainstormed what they would do and how they would react if given this situation. After brainstorming, they were told to act it out in front of the other groups. However, they couldn’t talk while acting out their drama, which definitely made it a little bit more difficult.

After seeing all of the groups’ skits, we went outside to enjoy the fresh air and played a few outdoor games such as Simon Says and freeze tag.

The youth definitely enjoyed that!

A group planning for the performance

In action demonstrating an elephant chasing someone

Playing soccer outside the office

Uharee nawa

Kakarandua

African Child Day

2011-06-22T11:06:00.005+01:00

Metaha/ Good day

The 16th of June is an African Child Day commemorated throughout the continent every year. The day is meant to commemorate and advocate for the rights of the child for education, health as well as the whole wellbeing of the child. This day has its origin back in 1976 in Soweto, Johannesburg in South Africa. For some schools, children are commemorating the day by performing different activities. In some schools, children will enjoy this day as a normal holiday where they will spend time at home with family. The last scenario was the case with some schools in Opuwo. They had school on the 16th and was given a holiday on the Friday, 17th June.
The right of children to have quality education is well said but many children are still constraint by many issues and cannot enjoy this right. The situation of the children of the Omapitiro Weyuva are classified under those which are not privelleged and therefore limited by different challenges. Lack of money to pay school fees, proper clothing, lack of toiletries and chronic illnesses for some of the children are some of the problems that unabling children to enjoy their rights.
Any donation in terms of clothing, cash to pay school fees and to buy entertainment facilities will make a difference.
I will extent my thanks to everyone who supported a child anywhere and those who contributed to the Omapitiro Weyuva kids club. Your contributions are making a difference in the chilfren lives of the children.

Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Rundu, singing outside the Rundu Red Cross office

Bye for now

Uharee nawa
Kakarandua

Harvesting

2011-06-15T05:34:00.003+01:00

Metaha

The children went to the garden to assist with the harvesting of maize. They were divided in groups with a supervisor in each group. The grouping was to organize them so that they can work better as they had limited time. They worked for almost 2 hours before they were taken back to school. They were involved in the cultivation and weeding and now in the harvesting! This gave them a sense of ownership and they enjoyed themselves while getting the job done.

One of the older boys selecting the good maize.

A community member assisting with harvesting.

The maize will be put on top of this structure to dry. Blaundina' father visited her and came to her rescue by constructing this structure. The maize will be put on top of it to get dry.

Maize, maize, maize.

Old and young participating in the harvest.

Uharee nawa

Kakarandua

Change of posting day

2011-06-13T14:04:00.002+01:00

Metaha

All blog readers! Please be informed that the posting date is changed from Monday to Wednesday. This will allow the team to edit and have input in the blog.

Uharee nawa

Kakarandua

Computer class and journals

2011-06-06T16:31:00.002+01:00

Metaha

The last Friday class was enjoyed by everyone as each group was fully assisted by volunteers. The older children went for a computer class at the youth center and learned how to format on Microsoft Word. The younger children worked on their journals and made new covers and pages.

The younger children played different games outside the office afterwards.

John, assisting the children at youth center.

Children, working with confidence on the computer

Working on the journals.

Alison, the new Peace Corp volunteer is assisting the younger once with the journals. She offered to assist the class regularly.

Guests from the Red Cross, Head Office, visiting at the garden.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT AS FROM NEXT WEEK THE BLOG WILL BE PUBLISHED ON A WEDNESDAY. THIS WILL GIVE THE TEAM ENOUGH TIME TO CONTRIBUTE AND TO EDIT THE BLOG BEFORE IT IS PUBLISHED.

Uharee nawa

Kakarandua

Reading

2011-05-30T12:23:00.003+01:00

Metaha

The children came in big numbers last Friday. They were divided in groups and were given story books to read. They made turns so that everyone can have chance to read a paragraph. Children enjoyed to discussed what they read and everyone could understood the story. This is also an opportunity to look up the difficult words in the dictionary.

The Omapitiro weyuva is contributing to the development of the learners by helping to create a habit of reading among the orphans and vulnerable children.

Reading aloud for everyone to follow the story is helping the children to pronounce and understand better.

This was real team work.

The younger children waiting for the class to start. Usually, they are the first to arrive at the office for the Friday class.

Providing refreshments motivates the children to attend the club on Fridays.

Uharee nawa

Kakarandua

Sport

2011-05-21T11:23:00.004+01:00

Metaha

The second school term started. Children are back from holiday. Blaundina had to pay school fees from school to school. She also had to buy toiletries for one boy who helped at the garden during the holiday. The boy had no hope to go back home after the death of his mom because he knew that nobody will give him money to pay for school fees and toiletries.

On Friday, the Omapito Weyuva girls and boys played volleyball. It was real fun as the event was held at a bigger area, where everyone participated.

Boys proudly possing for a picture with Gerhard (Red Cross staff), who joined the volleyball team.

Balancing the gender, girls also joint the volleyball team.

Over the net: the children busy playing volleyball

Blaundina, paying school fees at Alpha school, 15km from Opuwo where some of the children are attending school.

Uharee nawa

Kakarandua

School holiday

2011-05-05T16:18:00.007+01:00

Metaha

It is school holiday as from the 15th April until the 16th May 2011. The children went home and there are no classes during this period.

However, not everyone is fortunate to have somebody who cares. One boy who is struggling to find himself after his mother's death, is keeping on coming to the Red Cross office requesting for assistance during this time.

One wish to have solutions for different problems which the children are facing but sometimes children are rather encouraged to work in order to earn something for themselves.

The videos on the computer class will be found at the side of this blog page now.

Uharee nawa

Kakarandua

The young man looking for work during school holiday

Second computer class of the year

2011-04-18T15:42:00.007+01:00

Metaha vakwetu

The children could not wait to go for the computer class. They came at the office, picked up their note books and walked to the youth center where John was waiting for them. The children where interviewed by John, the Peace Corp volunteer who was giving the computer classes at the youth center and videos were made.

The younger children played in teams with the ball while carrying each other on their backs. This was fun as they made turns to see which team will win.

The smaller children are not coming in big numbers anymore due to the lack of refreshments after the class. However, the older ones are more encouraged by the activities of their interest, like the computer class.

Children's videos will be published during the cause of the week. Please remember to check the albums at the side of the blog.

Uharee nawa

John attending to each group's needs

Children working attentively in groups

Here is the younger kids of the team playing games.

The 6 years old girl is waiting to catch the ball. She feels proud to sit on the boy's back!

Caring for Carers

2011-04-11T14:47:00.004+01:00

Metaha vakwetu

Blaundina served the Red Cross as a Home Based Care supervisor since 2006. She has been an ambassador of hope for many people who came to her for advice regarding their HIV status. She is assisting with taking care of the orphans and vulnerable children in the community and at the Omapitiro weyuva class every Friday.

She left her house in Opuwo to stay at the Orphans and vulnerable children's garden which is at least 3km out of town. She is staying with her 2 daughters, Rina and Paulina who are both in school.

Blaundina is expecting her baby in June. The single mother of 2 is challenged with the big decision of whether she has to breastfeed her baby for at least 6 month due to her HIV status. She has not been receiving her supervisor's allowance of N$500 since January this year due to lack of funds.

It is now time for her to be taken care of.

Blaundina, assisting during the Omapitiro weyuva class

At the garden, with a bag of vegetable to be delivered to the needy

Passionately caring for the future posterity as she is attending to her gardening responsibility.

Jana (not real name)

2011-04-04T19:16:00.004+01:00

Metaha vakwetu

Jana, being the oldest sister of 3 girls was greatly traumatized by her father’s death and whatfollowed afterwards. The family of her father believed that Jana’s mom was the one that bewitched her husband, therefore they were treated very badly by the father’s family. They took everything they had and left them with nothing and homeless.

Jana was very much traumatized and did not behave normal anymore. She had to leave school because of her mental condition. One day she stepped in the Red Cross office, confused and with tears in her eyes. One could immediately tell that something was not right with her. We let her watched cartoons and the volunteer working with OVC just sat and watched the video with her. We gave her a journal and let her write everything she felt in the journal.

After sometime of attending the classes, Jana became the shining star , happy and very committed girl of the Omapitiro Weyuva class. She passed her grade 10 last year. The Red Cross is paying her school fees. Last year she attended Psychosocial Support classes with other 10 children.

The Omapitiro Weyuva class is very proud to have contributed positively to her life. In her journal she is showing her new place where they leaving now.

Journals

Out of Jana's journal

Jana, mapping the places she visited in the past dew years. Visiting places is a great achievement for the kids.

Older kids around the table with their journals. Next week will be great because they will go for computer classes at the Youth Center.

Uharee nawa tu hakaene/ Nice day till we meet

Working at the garden

2011-03-26T20:46:00.009+02:00

Metaha Vakwetu/ Good day dear friends

The rain fall is good this year and the garden looks promising. Maize is covering one third of the garden. Pumpkins, butternuts, tomatoes, spinach and carrots cover another portion of the garden. Almost half of the garden is currently being prepared for other vegetables and will be utilized when water is available.

The generator which are pumping water from the bore hole is out of order but a solar energy is been awaited to be instaledl by June this year. This is a donation by private people from South Africa. It will hopefully solve the water problem once and for all.

Fruit trees(papaw, lemon and guava) are also growing well and 1 papaw tree is bearing fruit already.

The children need to be involved at the garden, so that they learn to earn and to give to others in need. They came on Friday and slept in tents at the garden and went back on Monday afternoon. That Monday was a public holiday.

Uharee nawa

Sticks are needed to stabilize the tomato's trees

A girl, hard at work in the garden

Girls are preparing lunch

Tomatoes, few weeks before the harvest

Preparing to go back to school

Anika is gone

2011-03-26T19:50:00.004+02:00

Metaha Vakwetu/ Good day dear friends

Anika is eventually gone. Staff members and volunteers went to the Ministry of Health to see her for the last time. Although she volunteered at the Ministry of Health, she gave of her time and love to the children and the bicycle shop project.

The Red Cross benefited a lot from her skills, passion for work and warm personality.

The Omapitiro Weyuva kids and staff wish her a safe journey home and a bright future!

Uharee nawa

From left to right: Rauna, Anika and Kakarandua

Anika and Blaundina

Anika and Monica

A group photo with 2 nurses

Goodbye Anika

2011-03-19T21:12:00.006+02:00

Metaha/Good day

The last weekend was a long weekend for independence commemoration and the children went home. There was no class on Friday but some children stayed behind to work in the garden.

A meal was prepared at the garden and we sat around the fire. About 15 children, 2 guys from the bike shop and the OVC project staff gathered at the garden to say goodbye to Anika whose period of service came to an end. The children brought a big poster which they designed for Anika, written "Welcome to Anika".

This was actually a goodbye poster.

We will miss her a lot! We appreciate her contribution at the class and the bike shop!

Karee nawa tu hakaene/ Stay well,till we meet

Kakarandua

Well designed goodbye poster.

A group photo

Around the fire, Rara (Anika's dog) was part of the group

Preparing pap and sausage

Himba Children

2011-03-14T12:47:00.001+02:00

Metaha

These are some of the boys from the himba community who joined the Omapitiro wejuva class. Their vulnerability is different from most of the other children in the group.

Why are these children vulnerable?

The government established schools in the rural areas to encourage himbas to send their children to school. While in these schools, children remain in their traditional attires and are not required to pay school fees. The school career of many children ends at the forth year which is the last grade at these schools. The next year is in a formal school where fees need to be paid, toiletries and school wear need to be purchased.

Some parents are not sending their kids to school at all and when some of them are getting older, they decide to go to school by themselves.

The life in school is good until they start in the formal schools.

Most of them will hear the following comment from their parents: 'You decided to go to school on your own, then pay for yourself.'

On the other hand, there are some parents who can hardly afford to pay for school fees.

Some children find casual jobs to help them pay the fees or buy other necessities. Jobs are not always available and so they arrive at the Red Cross office.

For the past 4 years, school fees for almost 25 children were paid with the help of private individuals who made one time donations for the children. As for the donations already received, only next term's fees will be paid and nothing will be left for later terms.

Still hesitating to join the activities.

A committed participant of the Omapitiro weyuva class.

This young man is an orphan. Unfortunately there was no space in the hostel for him, so he is struggling to survive at a good Samaritan's house. The people who took him in are members of the community who didn't want to see him out on the street. He has no family to take him in or to help him go to school.

A letter of appreciation, written by four young men after they were paid for working in the garden. The money will go towards paying their school fees.

These three young men are in urgent need of examination fees so that they can take their grade 12 exams.

Uharee nawa,

Kakarandua

Video show

2011-03-14T12:00:00.001+02:00

Metaha

The children were on time this Friday and found everything (TV, DVD and chairs) already arranged by Panz, the new male volunteer for the class. Those who came later found everyone concentrating on Snow White the movie. The children enjoyed the movie and wanted to watch another one.

Watching video

But Blaundina said 'enough'. It was time to work on their journals. The older girls are assisting Blaundina to distribute the journals. And soon everyone was writing.

Time for journals

For the first time in four years, himba children joined the OVC group. Ever since last year 10 boys of 15 years and older joined the group.Their situation is different from the rest of the children and they are also older. You will learn more about them in the next blog.

3 of the older boys

Panz, completed his grade 12 last year and decided to assist with the Omapitiro weyuva class for the time being. He will be the one managing the blog in my absence.

Panz, observing the class

Uharee nawa,

Kakarandua

Computer class

2011-03-07T12:26:00.011+02:00

Good day

The first computer class of the year was exiting. The first 10 children took their sit at the youth center computer class under the leading of John, the Peace Corp volunteer. After the welcoming and introduction session, they started with the basic introduction to the computer. Two children shared one computer and learned how to open the computer. They had various games to exercise working with the mouse.

The next class will be next month again. The children enjoyed the computer class and made notes on the things learned.

Computer class

John, assisting the children in the computer class

A group of boys played soccer with Gerhard. He had a great time with them. After the game, they took time to write in their journals. It makes a difference if the boys is having a man supervisor in their midst. Young men will be encouraged to assist in the project.

Playing football in front of the office

The sky is the limit

Another group of girls took turns to read the hygiene booklet. They had a question and answer session on hand washing.

U haree nawa/ Have a nice day

Kakarandua

Sewing project

2011-02-28T16:36:00.010+02:00

Good day!

The OVC project received 2 sewing machines. The aim is to generate income for parents and grannies to enable them to support their children in school. After many parents have been approached, only 5 parents who are also volunteers for the OVC project availed themselves to be trained in sewing.

They are in the training now since the 25th January 2011. The class is starting from 17:30 to 20:00, which is 2 and a half hours per day for 4 days a week.

Blaundina working on the new sewing machine.

Meme Taimi working on a small piece of material during the sewing session.

Embroidery (Mola), done on a piece of material for a pillow case.

At the moment, there are no funds to buy the materials and tools (scissors, needles, etc.) for the training. The trainer, Meriam donated the first materials but more materials are needed to continue with the training.

Meriam, the instructor, cutting pieces of fabrics for the learners.

We hope this project will continue to grow into a big income generating activity which will contribute to the sustainability of the OVC project.

Karee nawa (stay well),

Kakarandua

Journals

2011-02-28T10:06:00.004+02:00

Good day

The Omapitiro Weyuva class gives a sense of belonging, school support and create an opportunity for the kids to express their thoughts through their journals.

7 Kids joined the class this year and they were creating their journals last Friday. The kids whose journals are full were also making new ones. However, the idea of a journal is not known to everyone and was never part of our culture. Story telling was almost serving this purpose instead but is also dying out. It is therefore good to adopt this new idea and teach our children to take records of things that are happening in their lives through a journal.

Some of those who are in the class for a long time shared their journals with the new comers to encourage them on the benefit of a journal. One of the two boys who were enrolled these month in school, is hesitant to take part in any activity and prefers to be an observer for the time being.

Another challenge for the project is to retain older children in the class. They do not feel comfortable to associate themselves with the Red Cross anymore. We have plans to conduct a computer class on a monthly basis at the Youth Center with the help of a Peace Corp volunteer. This computer class will start this Friday and will be only for the older children. We will see how we can keep them involved during the rest of the month.

Thanks for your support and care.

Kakarandua

School has started!

2011-02-21T15:59:00.008+02:00

Good day

The beginning of the year was hectic for every parent in Opuwo and the Red Cross was no exception. Blaundina, the volunteer assisting the OVC project, registered and paid school fees for 24 children.

I came across 2 boys when working in the rural areas. These boys finished the highest grade at a mobile school but could not go to the secondary school due to lack of money and parental support. I enrolled them in a school in Opuwo and provided toiletries, school uniform, and school fees for them. The only outstanding problem is that they still need to be enrolled in a hostel. The boys also joined us for the Omapitiro Weyuva after-school class this past week.

The boys sitting outside of the mobile school.

The boys in front of the Red Cross, showing off their new, clean school uniforms and school bags!

Last Friday, the kids were divided into 2 groups, one for crafts and another one for soccer. Blaundina took the group for craft and the whole afternoon was spend around the table with color pencils and papers drawing to everyone's ability. "It should be perfect", one said.

Gerhard, a Red Cross staff member, prepared himself to join the soccer team just in front of the office. The rain just came on time for everyone to come back for a drink and a biscuit.

Cheers, for now

Kakarandua

Thanks to everyone

2011-02-21T14:42:00.006+02:00

Good day

I am scared yet eager to take over this responsibility of giving update on the OVC project. Yes, working on the blog was something I heard from Ed and Folo who worked with the children for the past 3 years. I salute them for their commitment and for making the project known to everyone.

However, I am unfortunate to say good bye to everyone who contributed to this project. It started with Patric Reilly who was a co founder of this project in 2007. He left the same year. Ed did most of the work in the project. He developed the OVC and the garden project and had to leave in May last year. Folo started in 2009 and worked with care and love towards the children although she failed to work on the blog. She left last year November. Again, I now have to say goodbye to Anika who supported the project while she worked as a volunteer at the Ministry of Health. At the moment, she is helping me to familiarize myself with the new technology before she leaves.

I just want to tell you that we are missing you so much! Thanks for what you contributed in the lives of the kids. We are wishing you a bright future. For everyone who contributed with financial or material support, the children are fortunate to be able to go to school, play and learn at the kids club because of your support.

From now on I will try to update the blog every Monday. Please follow the activities of the children so that you can support where you can.

We are what we are because of your support!

Cheers till next time

Kakarandua

Sincere Apology

2010-10-29T11:11:00.005+02:00

Metaha.

My sincere apology to all the blog views and followers. Forgive me for not posting all this whole time, this was due to many other activities which I was engage in but now am through with it. I am not a good freelance nor writer my self , but that would be an issue today.

What I will love to bring to your attention is that ,the posting will be a bit different from the usual ones the information will be on the monthly base and the posting will be Mondays and Fridays.

It will be the monthly summaries of what we have been doing . Thank you for understanding, hope you will be looking forward for what we have been busy doing during the last few month.

Please forgive me.

Opuwo mato wana nu uhare nawa, out for now.

11 June

2010-07-02T11:45:00.009+01:00

Metaha.

History in the making, 11 June 2010 was a important day to remember in the soccer history including Africa.It was an honour to show and watch the first match of soccer with children ( omapitiro weyuva after class)

We may not had their vuvuzelas to blow but you could sense the excitement that the children had to watch the match. You could hear them shorting and throwing hands in the air, to may suprise it was not boys only enjoying , girls where enjoying too. There is same pictures below i hope you enjoy.

All eyes fixed , enjoying soccer.

Picture of the match, the first game 2010.

Thanks........

Sorry for not posting the spotlight child for the day.The process toke us long so we end up not having time on our side for the child to complete the form and they had to go back .

Ngatu hakaenene rukwao .

Out for now,Uhare nawa'

Fun Day

2010-06-15T14:16:00.013+01:00

Metaha.

The afternoon was a bit colder but this did stop the children to come and have same fun in every possible way. At first we handout the journals , ask them to express a good memories they had and asked them to express it in writing and picture. Giving children outlets for them to share their experiences and expressing their concerns ,fears and happiness can sometimes make them feel better.

After that we played played two games which where very much fun and interesting.Posted same picture, Hope you enjoy.

Umomaso concentrating to her writing.

Children carried away by a happy memory.

Children punching the ball.

Spotlight on Ndaopala

Q1. What is your full name and age?

A1Ndaopala Kondjamba, 15 years

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. 1995 in Opuwo

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. Mondeseus 13,Ndakoneke 9

Q4. What grade are you in?

A4. Grade 9

Q5. What is your favorite subject in school?

A5. Life science
Q6. What do you do for fun?
A6. Sing, dance and reading
Q7. What is your favorite sport?
A7. Netball
Q8. If you had a chance to change your childhood, what would you like to change?
A8. If I could help out my grandmother
Q9. What do want be when you grow up?
A9.I want to be a nurse
Q10. What was your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class today?
A10. Read

Thank you Ndaopala

Out for now.

Uhara nawa,

back to school

2010-06-03T12:41:00.008+01:00

Metaha.

Welcome to our first day of Omapitiro Weyuva After class second term 28 May 2010.The day started off great as the children were early as usual.Children where give same toy as welcoming gift to the class.We allowed the children to be themselves for a while,sing and tell each including us how the holiday was , while distributing toiletries and food cans to them. let the picture tell the story better . Below are some pictures, hope you enjoy.

Sitting on the lawn telling each other about the holiday.

Children singing.

Children receiving their toiletries and food can.

Thanks........

Sorry for not posting the spotlight child for the day.The process toke us long so we end up not having time on our side for the child to complete the form and they had to go back .

Ngatu hakaenene rukwao .

Out for now,Uhare nawa'

The Living World

2010-04-12T09:45:00.004+01:00

Mataha.

The session was all about what is living?. And they had same important words like alive,breathe,living,non-living,seed and reproduce. By learning this words , children could know difference between living and non-living.

Afterward, the children reed a story of a child named Lucy who wanted a pet, but the mother would not let her have a pet. The uncle felt pity for her that he give her a pet made out of a rock and it looked like a dog. The children reacted so sad to the story , they wanted Lucy to end up with living pet not a rock.Below there is same pictures. Hope you enjoy.

On the lawn, Folo reading the story to the children.

Showing Kapiyoo where to read.

Monika and Ndelo following the story.

Spotlight on Ndapewa

1. What is your full name and age?

A1. Ndapewa Johannes-16

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. Opuwo in 1994-02-08

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. Linda 37, Matheus 17

Q4. What grade are you in?

A4. grade 5

Q5. What is your favorite subject in school?

A5.English

Q6. What do you do for fun?

A6. making fun each other and talking to may friends.

Q7. What is you favorite sport?

A7. Netball

Q8. If you had a chance to change your childhood,what would it you like to change?

A8. I like to change may behavior, because of the punishment I use to get.

Q9. What do you want to be?

A9. Teacher

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?

A10. Reading

Thanks Ndapewa !!!

Sorry for not posting her sketch. We are still working on a way to presented them to you in a more visible way.

Out for now ,Uhare nawa.

Happy Feet

2010-04-06T10:41:00.007+01:00

Mataha.

After a long weekend of 20th Namibia Independence, embarking the children on an epic journey and ultimately prove that by being true to yourself, you can make all the difference in the world. Children need to be remained of the importance of positive changer toward themselves .

An animation movie was a a brilliant idea. Emperor penguins are born to sing, all except young Mumble ,who was born to dance.....tap dance.Such un-penguin-like behavior eventually get Mumble kicked out of emperor land and into the big cold world.Joined by his Adelies,Amigos and an all knowing rock-hopper penguin Lovelace.

Children enjoy the journey of Mumble. After the movie , all where so determine to make a difference no matter what the cost will be. Below are same of the picture. Hope you enjoy.

All eyes fixed , watching.

Endure Mumble journey.

Getting worried on what will happen next.

Spotlight on Monika

1. What is your full name?

A1. Monika Adrease, 11 years

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. 1999-10-11,Opuwo

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. Toini 14,Mauseku 9,Ivora 6

Q4. What grade are you in?

A4. Grade 4

Q5. What is your favorite subject in school?

A5. English

Q6. What do you do for fun?

A6. Play oshambo dance

Q7. What is you favorite sport?

A7. Athletics

Q8. If you had a chance to change your childhood,what would it you like to change?

A8. To have good behavior

Q9. What do you want to be?

A9. Teacher

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?

A10. To play games and have same sport .

Thanks Monika !!!

Out for now ,Uhare nawa.

Independence Day

2010-03-25T14:58:00.000+02:00

Metaha,

I hope everyone is doing well. Last week the children celebrated Namibia 20th Independence Day with a day off of school. As great as this is it means they are not around for class. Can't wait to see them next week!

Cheers, Omapitiro Weyuva After-School Class Volunteers

Creating a habit of reading

2010-03-12T08:58:00.006+02:00

Metaha.

Creating a habit of reading . Reading has been proven to be the best way of communicating, entertaining, and even having fun. When reading is turned into a habit, it is something which will benefit the person for life; the effect is now a positive curiosity and a desire to continue exploring.

As the children gathered for Friday, we divided them according to their grade levels at school. We ended up having 5 groups in total. The rule was simple: one storybook, where each individual will read a page while the others listen and assist when the words become difficult. Let the picture do the explanation better, Hope you enjoy.

Depholia reading, others listening.

Folo explaining the meaning of a word asked.

The beginners group, Uatiza reading.

Spotlight on Faninya Tjipito

Faninya with her sketch.

Q1. What is your full name?

A1. Faninya Tjipito

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. 10-26-1996 in Okakarara

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. Lina is 15 years old and Nouee is 13 years old.

Q4. What is your favorite color?

A4. My favorite colour is green.

Q5. What grade are you in?

A5. Grade 6.

Q6. What is your favorite subject in school?

A6. Science and English.

Q7. What do you do for fun?

A7. I like play for fun.

Q8. What is your favorite food?

A8. Chicken meat.

Q9. If you could have one wish what would it be?

A9. I wish to be educated.

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?

A10. I like to read and write in my journal.

Thanks Faninya!!!

Out for now ,Uhare nawa.

Math on the Lawn

2010-03-04T09:49:00.007+02:00

Mataha.

Since Omapitiro Weyuva class want the kids to enjoy and have fun while learn, our math class of Friday was held outside the office building on the lawn. the reason be hide is for the children to relax their brain and connect with mother nature. While trying to create a different environment compare to the class room related atmosphere. Let the picture do the talking. Hope you enjoy.

Four boys sitting against the wall doing the math.

Kids on the lawn doing the math.

children using fingers to calculate.

P.s. Sorry there is no spotlight child this week.

Out for now.
Uhara nawa,

Sport day

2010-02-22T10:33:00.007+02:00

Mataha.

Sport provide a positive learning experience that will improve the ability to develop self skill.Sport also teaches children to work hard and have fun at the same time,but what is sport without rules and regulation? For this reason we had a volunteer from SCORE an organization,to join us. The organization's vision is changing lives and building stronger communities through sport while they are mission is to uses sport to provide youth and children with valuable skills and opportunities that they need to succeed in life and contribute to their community

So our Friday was a fun and sport day. The kids played soccer, volleyball, and netball and they enjoyed the three sports with all wholly. Let the pictures do the talking, hope you enjoy

kids after the ball

Girls playing netball

Catching the ball

Girls and boys playing soccer

Using the gate for vollyball

Spotlight on Ndaopala

Q1. What is your full name and age?

A1Ndaopala Kondjamba, 15 years

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. 1995 in Opuwo

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. Mondeseus 13,Ndakoneke 9

Q4. What grade are you in?

A4. Grade 9

Q5. What is your favorite subject in school?

Thank you Ndaopala

Out for now.

Uhara nawa,

Afternoon movie

2010-02-16T09:54:00.009+02:00

Mataha,

After weeks of hard work, a Bugs Life movie was a great way to help the kids relax their minds. At first it was silent in the board room, as the children were fully engrossed in the film. Later we could see the children frowning, beaming, and laughing. It truly is a great movie. They loved the journey inside the miniature world of a bugs life, filled with fun and adventure. The volunteers asked questions as the movie progressed to help improve the comprehension for some of the younger children. It was also great for the children to be able to see the words on the television as well as hearing them.

face frown

watching

concentrating toward the movie

Spotlight on Frans

Q1. What is your full name and age?

A1. Frans Daniel, 14 years

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. 1996 in Opuwo

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. I m the only one

Q4. What grade are you in?

A4. Grade 6

Q5. What is your favorite subject in school?

A5. Math and English
Q6. What do you do for fun?
A6. Playing soccer
Q7. What is your favorite sport?
A7. Soccer
Q8. If you had a chance to change your childhood, what would you like to change?
A8. If I could help out my grandmother
Q9. What do want be when you grow up?
A9. A policeman
Q10. What was your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class today?
A10. Learn how to play soccer

Thank you Frans

Out for now.

Uhara nawa,

Reading a book

2010-02-09T10:05:00.010+02:00

Mataha,

Once again it is a Friday and this time around we reading a book by Dr Seuss. Its a beginner reading book, exacting blends of words and picture that encourage children to read all by themself.

Reading is an important skill that need to be develop in children. If children can read well and if they see reading as a source of information, for the rest of their live they will have access to all the knowledge and great ideas. Let the pictures do the talking . Hope you enjoy!

Getting ready to read.

following the reader.

Lina reading.

Spotlight on Vetumana

Q1. What is your full name and age?

A1. Vetumana Mbikiro 11 year

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. 1998 in Opuwo

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. Mahoni 35,Taimi 26, Ngatuu 25,Unomas 18, Venaani 14

Q4. What grade are you in?

A4. Grade 6

Q5. What is your favorite subject in school?

A5. English, Math
Q6. What do you do for fun?
A6. To play games like okaepwa and euma
Q7. What is your favorite sport?
A7. Woman soccer
Q8. If you had a chance to change your childhood, what would you like to change?
A8. I will like to help my mother with work at home
Q9. What do want be when you grow up?
A9. Teacher
Q10. What was your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class today?
A10. To study English

Thank you Vetumana

Out for now.

Uhara nawa,

Self Drawing

2010-02-03T12:33:00.006+02:00

Mataha.

One piece of paper, one color pencil, and draw yourself; those where the simple instruction for the class on Friday.

This week session is self portrait .The board room was filled with silence and high concentration toward the objective. We gave the children some paper, colored pencils, and then gave them the go ahead to draw. It is amazing and interesting what they have come up with so far. With the request from some donors, we will be posting the self drawing and the picture of the spotlight child. Can't wait for you to see it for yourself. Below are a few pictures of the children at work.

Waiting to be instructed to draw.

Children at work.

Faninya with her Sketch

Spotlight on Sperasa

Sperasa drawing.

Q1. What is your full name and age?

A1. Sperasa Mauricio

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. 1995/04/11 in Opuwo

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. Luis 36,Fesiyana34 ,Sau 30, and Maria 22

Q4. What grade are you in?

A4. Grade 6

Q5. What is your favorite subject in school?

A5. Social studies
Q6. What do you do for fun?
A6. Anything to do with sport
Q7. What is your favorite sport?
A7. Netball
Q8. If you had a chance to change your childhood, what would you like to change?
A8. To have a healthy childhood
Q9. What do want be when you grow up?
A9. A police woman
Q10. What was your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class today?
A10.Sport

Thank you Sperasa.

Out for now.

Uhara nawa,

Evaluation

2010-01-27T14:26:00.012+02:00

Mataha,

This time around the kids arrive very early and in huge numbers. As we ask them to move into the board room, the board room turns to be very small. Anyway that didn’t stop them to continue with our second class of the year, the evaluations. This exercise is done to find out whether they are still remembering what they learned last year and for us volunteers to see which areas they need more clarification. In our findings the children got the same average score as last year October. Follow up will be done With the same evaluation at the and of this year.

After the evaluation the kids where cought by surprise with MOTHER BEAR, a organization out of America, who donated 60 knit bears.The reason behind the Mother Bear project is to let the children know that there is someone out there who cares and loves them.

See for yourself, we took some pictures,videos, and spotlight kid for this Friday, hope you enjoy.

Proudly with new teddy.

Getting to know they new friends teddy bear.

Mama Taimi the kids during the evaluation

Kids busy answering

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Spotlight on Kasera

Q1. What is your full name and age?

A1. Kasera Imanuel, 17 years old

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2.1992 November 08 , Rundu

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. I don't have any brother or sister, because my mother pasted away

Q4. What grade are you in?

A4. I am in grade 9

Q5. What is your favorite subject in school?

A5. English
Q6. What do you do for fun?
A6. Ride bicycle
Q7. What is your favorite sport?
A7. Car racing , bicycle racing and playing games
Q8. If you had a chance to change your childhood, what would you like to change?
A8. When i was a child I feed very useless because we were very poor and I could not help my grand mother
Q9. What do want be when you grow up?
A9. Doctor or Actor
Q10. What was your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class today?
A10. Environmental issue

Thank you Kasera.

The will be some changes on the spotlight child starting next week.

Out for now.

Uhara nawa,

first class 2010

2010-01-20T09:45:00.006+02:00

Mataha,

Welcome to the first day of Omapitiro Weyuva After class, January 2010. The kids were full of energy--running around, playing, and telling each other about the long holiday they had. Since it is the beginning of the year and time for the kids to go back to school, the Omapitiro Weyuva After class received money from a private donor which bought them toiletries and payed their school fees. During our first class we distributed these much-needed toiletries to the children. This was done to help those kids living in situations where their caretakers cannot afford these items, since most of the kids are vulnerable or orphans.

Below are a few video hope you enjoy.

For now, Uhara Nawa.

Guardian Meeting

2010-01-13T09:29:00.002+02:00

Metaha,

I hope that 2010 is going well for everyone. The Omapitiro Weyuva After-School Class planning is still going great. Last week Friday the volunteers scheduled a meeting with the guardians to discuss what is needed for the class. It was also just a great time for the guardians to meet and share what the children told them about last years class. Below are a couple of pictures.

Guardians and Volunteers.

Guardians listening intently.

Mrs. Mutambo leading meeting.

Folo meeting with guardian discussing child.

As many of you may know the Omapitiro Weyuva After-School Class is undergoing some transitions. We are starting to pass on the knowledge of running the class to Ms. Florencia (Folo) Nunes. She is a very competent young lady with a heart of gold. She will take over the lesson planning, teaching, note taking, blogging, budgeting, and everything that is needed to continue the success of the class. I would like to take this time to introduce Folo. She is the spotlight below.

Spotlight on Florencia

Q1. What is your full name and age?

A1. My name is Florencia, Folo Nunes. I will turn 26 this year.

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. I was born in Opuwo on 1984-02-02.

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. I am the only child of my mother but I do have half siblings from my dad. They are Nandi 24, Anna 18, Julita 10, Karen 7, and Mario 3.

Q4. What grade are you in?

A4. I am still a student at Polytechnic of Namibia. I am studying Public Management and do it through distance learning.

Q5. What is your favorite subject in school?

A5. My favorite subjects when I was in elementary school was history, math, and geography. Now I am very interested in development and social studies.

Q6. What do you do for fun?

A6. For fun I like to bake, go for rides in a car, and I like to talk with people.

Q7. What is your favorite sport?

A7. My favorite sports are soccer and swimming. I also enjoy watching rugby.

Q8. If you had a chance to change your childhood, what would you like to change?

A8. I would not change my childhood.

Q9. What do want be when you grow up?

A9. While I was growing up I always wanted to be a nurse but now I dislike it. I want to do something that involves working with and helping people but I don't want to sit in an office. I want to go out to people to help them.

Q10. What was your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class today?

A10. I like watching the children do math. They are so serious and its great to see them concentrate so hard on a task.

Thanks Folo!!

For Now, Uhara Nawa

Top 5 Reasons Why the 2009 Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class Was A Success!

2010-01-06T10:58:00.000+02:00

Metaha,

This entry comes directly from the perspective of the volunteers. During the children's break the volunteers are working together to make the class better for the next year. Of course this can not happen without reflecting on the impact of the first year of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class. We have also selected a few of the best pictures of 2009! They are all below...so enjoy!

1. The Omapitiro Weyuva class helped the children grow mentally because it allows them to play, think, and do things that they were never taught before, like computers and journals.

2. The Omapitiro Weyuva class helped them improve in English writing, reading, and understanding.

3. The Omapitiro Weyuva class motivates them to enjoy their regular school classes because it gives them a better understanding of what is going on.

4. The Omapitiro Weyuva class boosts their self-esteem.

5. The Omapitiro Weyuva class turns the learning process into entertainment so they learn easier and have fun!

Here are the pictures, in no particular order!

Children singing and dancing, always a great way to start or end the class.

Fetching the maize for tree planting day, everyone helping out.

Hard at work with math.

Always time to have some fun.

Protecting the tree is essential.

Planting the first tree, everyone is involved.

Everyone hard at work journaling.

English reading and comprehension.

Math with the abacuses.

English comprehension with a video and questions.

For now, Uhara Nawa

Christmas Party and much more!

2009-12-11T11:15:00.008+02:00

Metaha,

This is one of the classes that is best described by pictures. So I will keep the words to a minimum. We had a end of the year party/Christmas party for the children and their guardians. It was a great time. Singing, dancing, eating and playing games were just some of the activities. See the pictures for yourself! I will upload some videos of the singing and dancing later. The upload seems to be giving me some issues.

The Children, Guardians, Volunteers, and me!

Playing jump rope with a piece of cloth.

Kids playing with the balls, this one was coming right at me.

Plenty of meat!

Some guardians relaxing in the shade.

Showing off the marks. (grades)

Pumping the balls is a team effort.

Children helping cook.

Preparing the food.

Discussion with guardians, children, and volunteers.

Gaurdians served first, always. Served by the children.

Eating!

On behalf of the children, volunteers and the guardians I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years. This being the last class of the school year we want to Thank you for all your support in 2009. Can't wait to see what 2010 will bring.

For now, Uhara Nawa

P.s. Sorry there is no spotlight child this week. We are busy rethinking the questions to make them more enjoyable. If you have any suggestions feel free to put them in the comments section of blog or email me at ewyni119@gmail.com.

English Comprehension Week 2

2009-11-30T11:37:00.007+02:00

Metaha,

Our class this week was a duplicate to last week; the children who didn't get their Christmas present last week received their bags, and then the kids finished watching the movie. Once again the volunteers asked the children questions to help increase their understanding and listening comprehension.

At the end of the class the volunteers informed the children about a very special event: the end of the year party! The children were told to invite their guardians, and to get ready to have a blast. I hope the party goes off without a hitch!

Spotlight on Muarungantji

Q1. What is your full name and age?

A1. My name is Muarunganatji katiti. I am 17 years old.

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. I was born in Opuwo in 1992.

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. Mbota 22, Sema 11, Toini 8, Mbatenga and Muandaya 10, Monika 19, Inandit 15 Kavetuhumbu 13.

Q4. What is your favorite color?

A4. White Color.

Q5. What grade are you in?

A5. Grade 6.

Q6. What is your favorite subject in school?

A6. Mathematics.

Q7. What do you do for fun?

A7. I like to read and write.

Q8. What is your favorite food?

A8. Chicken and Cake.

Q9. If you could have one wish what would it be?

A9. I wish to speak english and write it better.

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?

A10. I like to learn about the Mathematics.

Thanks Muarunganatji!!

For now, Uhara Nawa.

Bolting into Christmas

2009-11-25T14:36:00.007+02:00

Metaha,

This weeks class started with a big bang. The volunteers surprised the learners with new bright yellow backpacks. It was hard to tell which was brighter: the bags, the children's eyes, or the hot Namibian sun. The bags were donated by Bicycles for Humanity, Melbourne Chapter. So a big thank you goes out to them for the wonderful Christmas gift for the children. I hope the pictures show their happiness.

The children checking out the cool bags, look at those smiles!

A little posing with their new bags.

After giving out the bags, the children relaxed and took mental notes on the movie Bolt. It is a great movie for the kids, and they loved the action-based dog. While watching the movie, the volunteers would periodically pause and ask questions that were written on the white board. This helped improve the comprehension for some of the younger children. It was also great for the children to be able to see the words on the television as well as hear them.

Still wearing their bags while watching the movie.

Folo helping with the comprehension part of the movie.

Spotlight on Josophine

Q1. What is your full name and age?

A1. Josophine Thomas, 12 years.

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. 1996-12-21 in Opuwo.

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. Jeneveni born 1993, Abisai born 1986, and Shangeroo born 1991.

Q4. What is your favorite color?

A4. Red and Black.

Q5. What grade are you in?

A5. 6c.

Q6. What is your favorite subject in school?

A6. Social Studies.

Q7. What do you do for fun?

A7. I like to make many people laugh at the same time.

Q8. What is your favorite food?

A8. I like rice and chicken.

Q9. If you could have one wish what would it be?

A9. I wish to pass my exams.

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?

A10. I like to write.

Thanks Josophine!!

For now, Uhara Nawa.

Keeping Sharp

2009-11-17T15:57:00.009+02:00

Metaha,

After a day of hard labor planting trees the volunteers decided to challenge the children's brains this week with a bit of math. Breaking out the math books, the children knew what was coming and were very excited to test their skills. This time we decided not to give the children the abacuses to see what other creative ways they could come up with the answers to the problems. It turns out the children are very creative. They were using tallies on paper, fingers, toes and anything they could use to count. It was great to see the children making the next step forward. Below are a few pictures. Hope you enjoy!

Older child helping a younger one with a hard problem.

Folo helping a few of the younger children.

Little finger counting never hurts to get the job done.

Having a bit of a competitive race on a page!

Spotlight on Venani

Q1. What is your full name and age?

A1. Venani Mbikiro, 13 years old.

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. 1996/01/22 in the Opuwo Hospital.

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. Vetumana 11, Ngatukumbe 25, Taimi 26, Unomasa 17, and Mahhony 32.

Q4. What is your favorite color?

A4. Orange Color.

Q5. What grade are you in?

A5. In grade 8.

Q6. What is your favorite subject in school?

A6. English.

Q7. What do you do for fun?

A7. I like to make many people laugh at the same time.

Q8. What is your favorite food?

A8. KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken).

Q9. If you could have one wish what would it be?

A9. I wish that I would be a doctor.

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?

A10. I like to play soccer and learn.

Thanks Venani!!

For now, Uhara Nawa.

A Fruit Tree a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

2009-11-12T14:12:00.013+02:00

Metaha,

After pilling into the back of the truck all that could head was the screeching and yelling of the 30+ children on the way to the garden. Not only were the children happy about going to the OVC Community Garden to learn how to plant trees but were also very excited to be getting a ride in a truck. Even though many of us take having a vehicle or access to a vehicle for granted, these children do not and many of them may not have been in a vehicle for a long time. This made the trip that much more exciting.

Children ready for the ride, this is a normal way of travel!

Arriving at the garden with excitement.

When we reached the garden the children jumped out. They were very surprised at the size of the garden, 3 hectares or almost 12 acres but wasted no time and crowded together to get ready for their lesson. The volunteers taught the lesson in a type of show and tell learning/teaching style. The children took turns mock planing the tree with their suggested style all the while telling the others what they were doing . It was great to see how many different ways the children could come up with to plant the tree. After many different methods were shown the children discussed which would be the best. Amazingly enough the children described the method that the Ministry of Forestry suggested for planting fruit trees. Below are a few pictures showing the steps of planting with the children.

Blaundina explaining the process of fruit tree planting.

A little water for now.

Collecting the sticky mopanie bark for lashing.

Collecting maize stalks.

Many, Many stalks needed.

Lashing the sticks and maize stalks together.

The sticks and maize stalks give the tree protection.

Watering the newly planted tree.

2 trees finished...48 to go.

Spotlight on Ruben

Q1. What is your full name and age?
A1. Ruben Kandimba, 18 years old.

Q2. When and where were you born?
A2. 12-15-1990 at Ruacana.

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?
A3. My sister name is Elise Tjuundukia born 1986-01-06.

Q4. What is your favorite color?
A4. My favorite colors are Green and Red.

Q5. What grade are you in?
A5. In grade 9a.

Q6. What is your favorite subject in school?
A6. English and Geography.

Q7. What do you do for fun?
A7. I like to read the Bible, play soccer,watch soccer, watch movies, and read magazines.

Q8. What is your favorite food?
A8. I like apples, meat, and bread.

Q9. If you could have one wish what would it be?
A9. I wish to become a soccer player or a paster.

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?
A10. My favorite part of attending this class is learning with the children and making things in my journal.

Thanks Ruben!!!

For now, Uhara Nawa

CrEaTiVe ArT X 3 = FuN

2009-11-03T10:26:00.006+02:00

Metaha,

Well, after a great week last week the volunteers decided to extend Creative Art one more week. Seeing the children's eyes light up when they were informed made it seem to be the right decision. Sorry no pictures this week, its a surprise!

Spotlight on Lina

Q1. What is your full name?
A1. I am Lina Tjipito. I am a 15 year old girl.

Q2. When and where were you born?
A2. 04-08 in Opuwo.

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?
A3. My brother is 13 and my sister is 12 years old.

Q4. What is your favorite color?
A4. My favorite color is Pink.

Q5. What grade are you in?
A5. I am in grade 7c.

Q6. What is your favorite subject in school?
A6. Social studys and Agriculture.

Q7. What do you do for fun?
A7. I like to play with my sister for fun.

Q8. What is your favorite food?
A8. Meat and Macaroni.

Q9. If you could have one wish what would it be?
A9. I want a house.

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?
A10. I like the games we get to play.

Thanks Lina!!!

For now, Uhara Nawa

CrEaTiVe ArT #2

2009-10-26T08:41:00.009+02:00

Metaha,

Due to time constraints, many of our classes take two or even three sessions to finish. Creative Arts was one of them. It is great to see the children working on their own and expanding their creativity. This week we reached a new milestone in the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class: our first-ever class with over 40 children! This just goes to show that the word is spreading and the children are learning and having fun. Below are a few pictures of the class, along with a video of the children who arrived early playing games while waiting for the other children to show up.

Fun and games before the work starts.

Children hard at work.

Making some sketches in their journals.

Spotlight on Angula

Q1. What is your full name and age?
A1. Angula Titus I am 9 years old.

Q2. When and where were you born?
A2. In Ruacana on the 27th of 2000.

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?
A3. Fite is 14, Tuaku is 18.

Q4. What is your favorite color?
A4. Green.

Q5. What grade are you in?
A5. I am in 3b.

Q6. What is your favorite subject in school?
A6. Otjiherero (language class)

Q7. What do you do for fun?
A7. I like to play.

Q8. What is your favorite food?
A8. Macaroni.

Q9. If you could have one wish what would it be?
A9. I wish to be happy.

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?
A10. I like that we can play and learn.

Thanks Angula!

For now, Uhara Nawa

CrEaTiVe ArT! (so i am not)

2009-10-16T15:47:00.009+02:00

Metaha,

This is week one of a two week session on creative art. The entire idea behind this class is to help the children get out of the rigorous step by step, "write everything the teacher writes", learning style they are used to and open their minds. We have given the children some paper, pens, markers, crayons, colored pencils, and a few ideas, then gave them the go ahead to draw, write, color, or do anything they want on the paper. It is amazing what they have come up with so far. Can't wait for you to see it for yourself :-) Below are a few pictures of the children at work.

Some girls working on their creative side.

Hard at work!

Everyone heads down doing their best.

Spotlight on Toni

Q1. What is your full name?
A1. Toni Muhuka

Q2. When and where were you born?
A2. Ehomba Village, by Swartbooi Drift in 2002.

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?
A3. Ukembaani 11, Mbapewa 9, Mbatata 8.

Q4. What is your favorite color?
A4. Yellow

Q5. What grade are you in?
A5. 2

Q6. What is your favorite subject in school?
A6. Math

Q7. What do you do for fun?
A7. I like to play tag. (okarombo)

Q8. What is your favorite food?
A8. Banana

Q9. If you could have one wish what would it be?
A9. I wish I can do math well.

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?
A10. I like when we can write in English.

Thanks Toni!

For now, Uhara Nawa

Evaluations and Spotlight Week 2!

2009-10-13T11:11:00.009+02:00

Metaha,

This is the second week of evaluations and after correcting the children's work we have some good news to announce. If you recall, the children scored an average of 38 points out of 94 with the high score being 52 on their preliminary assessment. This time around the children did very well. The average score was 46.3 with the high score being 80 out of 94! I am very proud of the children for all their hard work and look forward to the next evaluation time so they can show off their skills.

Below are a few pictures of the children taking the evaluations and the soccer match that took place once they were finished.

The children hard at work!

Doing the math section of the eval.

Fun after the eval.

Spotlight on Faninya!

Q1. What is your full name?
A1. Faninya Tjipito

Q2. When and where were you born?
A2. 10-26-1996 in Okakarara

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?
A3. Lina is 15 years old and Nouee is 13 years old.

Q4. What is your favorite color?
A4. My favorite colour is green.

Q5. What grade are you in?
A5. Grade 6.

Q6. What is your favorite subject in school?
A6. Science and English.

Q7. What do you do for fun?
A7. I like play for fun.

Q8. What is your favorite food?
A8. Chicken meat.

Q9. If you could have one wish what would it be?
A9. I wish to be educated.

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?
A10. I like to read and write in my journal.

Thanks Faninya!!!

Until next time, Uhara Nawa

The Namibian SMS

2009-10-08T08:58:00.004+02:00

Metaha,

This is the SMS I sent to The Namibian newspaper in response to the article and other sms's. Maybe it will help open the eyes of others.

SMSES OF THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER 2009

THANK you to The Namibian and to Christof Maletsky for the story on the Opuwo volunteers and OVC in Monday’s paper. Everyone loves the article and the children love seeing their pictures in the paper. If anyone would like to learn more about the OVC class or would like to offer any support feel free to look at our blog at www.omapitiroweyuva.blogspot.com or email me at ewyni119@gmail.com. Thanks again!
– Edward Wynimko, Opuwo

Uhara Nawa

Response From Article

2009-10-06T11:35:00.007+02:00

Metaha,

This is one response the article received via a sms from a kind person in Windhoek. So great to get the word out about the program! Thank you to The Namibian for the great article.

Volanteers making a difference

* THANK you to Christof Maletsky of The Namibian newspaper for your story on ‘Volunteers bring new hope at Opuwo’. I hope he and others in his profession will continue the focus on remote areas of our country and constantly remind us of those less fortunate in our society. In particular, I salute the young volunteers at the OVC project. Your compassion, patriotism and kindness shall forever be applauded.

– Dr Elijah Ngurare, The Secretary for the Swapo party Youth Leauge, Windhoek

Uhara Nawa

Article in The Namibian

2009-10-05T16:03:00.005+02:00

Metaha,

Here is an article that was written in The Namibian newspaper on Monday October 5th. The article and pictures are from Christof Maletsky of The Namibian. Hope you enjoy!

NATIONAL NEWS

05.10.09

Volunteers bring new hope at Opuwo

BY: CHRISTOF MALETSKY AT OPUWO

Rauna Shilongo and Blaundina Petrus, two of the Volunteers at the Opuwo

Red Cross Centre taking care of the orphans and vulnerable children.

Polytechnic graduate Florence Nunes is one of the volunteers taking orphans and

vulnerable children from Opuwo through afternoon classes at the Centre.

One of the children concentrates on his task of

coloring at the Opuwo Red Cross Centre.

THIRD-GRADER Makina Gabriel Armando is all smiles.

Even though he lost his sister a week ago and his mom is ailing,
he is glad to hold a biscuit and a cup of cooldrink in his hands.

Every Friday afternoon Armando (11) joins a group of up to 40 other children at the Red Cross Centre at Opuwo where they are taught life skills, are helped with homework and also get school uniforms and toiletries.

They are a group of children that Red Cross regional co-ordinator Kakarandua Mutambo got into the local school hostels after they used to walk around 20 kilometres to school and back home every day.

They have since joined the OVC project set up by US peace corps volunteer Edward Wynimko, who has helped the locals to plant a big garden on the outskirts of Opuwo for sustainable food production.

He has also been involved in the distribution of condoms as health workers and others try to stem the spread of HIV – the disease that causes AIDS and leaves children as orphans.

Although Opuwo and surrounding areas do not have a high HIV prevalence rate because the Himba people have over the years jealously guarded their customs and traditions, those same values now threaten to wipe them out.

That is because of customs such as polygamy, where rich older men marry several young girls to bear children who help herd his cattle.

Mutambo said they started the project with 17 children who used to sit around idle.Now all of them are in school and the project workers keep a register to monitor their progress and attendance.

“Initially most dropped out of hostels because they did not have blankets, clothes and toiletries but we managed to get donations for them. They have now stabilised and enjoy school,” Mutambo said.

Most of them are children of people who are taken care of under the Red Cross home-based care programme.

“That is why we also set up the big garden to plant vegetables which our clients can eat and also sell,” she said.

A local chief gave the Red Cross a 10-hectare piece of prime land some eight kilometres outside Opuwo and they have already had their first harvest but still need funds to build a proper irrigation system.

In the meantime, fewer than half a dozen local young women volunteer their Friday afternoons to teach Armando and the other children how to care for others.

“We hope that one day one of them will reach some heights in life. You never know who you prepare for tomorrow,” said Mutambo.

Evaluations and Spotlight!

2009-10-05T10:45:00.009+02:00

Metaha,

This was the first week of a two week evaluation. The children are taking a test to see if the class is helping and to find out what we need to focus on more. The evaluation results will then be compared to the results from the first one that the children took in March.

This week is also the first week for the spotlight child. Every week we will pick one child and they will be interviewed by one of our volunteers. We will then post their picture and the interview for your reading pleasure. I will try to leave the responses to the questions in their original form but as the children have varying levels of English, I may occasionally need to interpret their responses which I will include with the edited response in parenthesis. Hope you enjoy reading as much as they enjoyed the interview!

Spotlight on Anna!

Q1. What is your full name?

A1. Anna Jonas

Q2. When and where were you born?

A2. Here in Opuwo in 1995

Q3. What are the names and ages of your brothers and sisters?

A3. Tageni 21, Rainhold 7, and I have no sisters.

Q4. What is your favorite color?

A4. I have 2. Yellow and orange.

Q5. What grade are you in?

A5. Grade 6D.

Q6. What is your favorite subject in school?

A6. English.

Q7. What do you do for fun?

A7. I like to tell stories.

Q8. What is your favorite food?

A8. Oranges.

Q9. If you could have one wish what would it be?

A9. To be educated.

Q10. What is your favorite part of the Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class?

A10. I like that it helps my studies.

Thanks Anna!!!

Uhara Nawa.

September 11

2009-09-23T19:09:00.000+02:00

It is Friday, and we gather once again around the conference room of the Red Cross office. The children are quiet, their heads diligently bent over their worksheets. Colored pencils and crayons are scattered haphazardly on the tables, and the children quietly exchange colors, attempting to complete part one of the worksheet with maximum color and speed. “Match the words with ‘oo’ and color them the same,” one of the older girls patiently explains. The younger children quickly follow her instructions, filling the boxes with brilliant hues of red, yellow, and green.

The second part of the worksheet is slightly more complicated, and the volunteers hurry around the room fielding questions: after reading a story, the children must look at a list of words and decide which words were included in the story. Some of the children had to re-read the story a couple of times, but ultimately all were able to move on to part three—spelling! One of the boys giggles, “‘loock’ is not the proper way” he exclaims. He marks the correct word “look” on the page, and proceeds to the next word pair.

While English comprehension varies from child to child, it becomes obvious while glancing around the room that they are all equally committed to learning. The recent school break seems to have renewed their focus, and the volunteers patiently clarify instructions and give guidance when necessary. After diligently pasting their completed worksheets in their journals, the cool drinks and cookies are distributed, thus bringing to a close another great class!

Until next time… Uhara nawa!

Holiday

2009-08-25T06:17:00.002+01:00

Metaha,

For the next three weeks the children are on holiday. While the children are away the volunteers will be working together to plan some more classes. Can't wait to see what their great minds come up with.

For now, Uhara Nawa

2+4=FUN! X 2

2009-08-17T14:04:00.010+01:00

Metaha,

In light of the success of last week’s class, the volunteers decided that the kids could benefit from further math instruction. They broke out the workbooks and abacuses once again, and kicked off our second week of math fun. The children were eager to get to work and learn, and this was reflected in their level of participation. At the end of the class we decided to do a question and answer game on the white board. The children love to show off their skills and this was a great time for everyone to help each other. When the class was finished the children were very pleased with the new math skills they had learned.

Couple boys working on some calculations.

Using the Abacus is better than your fingers!

Answering some in class math questions.

Using the white board to do a full class activity.

(pic 1) - Youngest learner getting help from Blaundina.

(pic 2) The problem 13-5=____

(pic 3) Still working!

(pic 4) Final Result! 13-5=8!!

For now, Uhara Nawa.

Omapitiro Weyuva

Last item for the year

Series of activities

Pictures

End of term

Shoe box gifts

Nemo, the lost fish

The winners for Etosha trip

Competition for Etosha tour

Games

Little Hope

Congratulations Blaundina

Drama

African Child Day

Harvesting

Change of posting day

Computer class and journals

Reading

Sport

School holiday

Second computer class of the year

Caring for Carers

Jana (not real name)

Working at the garden

Anika is gone

Goodbye Anika

Himba Children

Video show

Computer class

Sewing project

Journals

School has started!

Thanks to everyone

Sincere Apology

11 June

Fun Day

back to school

The Living World

Happy Feet

Independence Day

Creating a habit of reading

Math on the Lawn

Sport day

Afternoon movie

Reading a book

Self Drawing

Evaluation

first class 2010

Guardian Meeting

Top 5 Reasons Why the 2009 Omapitiro Weyuva After School Class Was A Success!

Christmas Party and much more!

English Comprehension Week 2

Bolting into Christmas

Keeping Sharp

A Fruit Tree a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

CrEaTiVe ArT X 3 = FuN

CrEaTiVe ArT #2

CrEaTiVe ArT! (so i am not)

Evaluations and Spotlight Week 2!

The Namibian SMS

SMSES OF THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER 2009

Response From Article

Article in The Namibian

NATIONAL NEWS

Volunteers bring new hope at Opuwo

Even though he lost his sister a week ago and his mom is ailing, he is glad to hold a biscuit and a cup of cooldrink in his hands.

Evaluations and Spotlight!

September 11

Holiday

2+4=FUN! X 2

Even though he lost his sister a week ago and his mom is ailing,
he is glad to hold a biscuit and a cup of cooldrink in his hands.