Nineteen kids, three languages, one goal.

Metaha!

Test anxiety, it turns out, is universal. After opening class exchanging simple greetings and commands in English, the kids filled out what the volunteers told them was simply a questionnaire to help decide what should be taught each week. The kids, convinced they were being given a wicked, evil exam, were not thrilled. After curbing their fears, the volunteers worked diligently to translate the form into three different languages for the kids so the information could be accurate and useful. It was a mighty task to assist nineteen kids of varied learning stages in multiple languages, but the volunteers made it happen in brilliant fashion.

Uhara Nawa

Sakaria and Meme Taimi helping Angula, and Uerijameka start the evaluation.

Blaundina and Meme Hilya translating.

Reginaard explains instructions to Mbatenga and Toini.

New Clothes. Old Dances.

In the last two sessions we have supplied many children with pants, shirts, and socks for the year. We are grateful for the donation from NRCS and both volunteers and the kids expressed their gratitude through dance. In addition, these celebrations, which are on the video, are an opportunity to pass on cultural dances from adult to child.

Rainy Days

Hello and Good Day,

It is the rainy season in Namibia and water is such a blessing, but it can also make things difficult. Since most of the guardians rely on foot travel to come to the meeting, the rains kept them from making the three or four kilometer walk to the office this past Friday. But true to their word 24 of the children showed up in great spirits, despite the downpour. The volunteers sprung into action, entertaining the children with songs and dances. In the final half hour of the session the children sat quietly and watched a video, Aladdin, to finish out the day. We have rescheduled the child/guardian meeting for another week; we will keep our fingers crossed for early rain showers.

Until next time, Uhara Nawa

Filling out some paperwork, teaching kids how to sign their name.

Watching a video, it will be so great to have a TV and DVD player!

Pictures and Administrative items

Hello and Good day!

This week we had 18 of our children arrive half an hour early brimming with anticipation for the weekly class. The Omapitiro Weyuva program is certain to be a success. On this particular Friday we took care of necessary administrative details with the children and then snapped individual and group photos. The kids love showing off for the camera and it was exciting to capture their smiling faces. Below are a couple of pictures of the children entertaining themselves while the Red Cross Volunteers worked on getting the needed information.

Until next time, Uhara Nawa!

Smiling kids with a few volunteers!

Blaundina, taking down needed information.

Here are a couple kids drawing on old phone books, can't wait until they get their journals!!

Thank You, this is just the beginning!

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to the Omapitiro Weyuva blog, which will be used to inform you about the all the wonderful things the children in the after school program will be learning and experiencing. We hope to update the blog each week with pictures, stories, and anything the children would like to publish. We first want to introduce you to those who are making this program possible for the children of Opuwo. Below is a picture of the dedicated group of Namibian volunteers that have a personal interest in helping the children gain extra life skills.

(In Picture; Top to bottom, Left to Right: Titus, Sakalia, Hilya, Rauna, Blaundina, Monica, Mrs. Mutambo-Kunene Regional Manager and little Pejero (Rauna's baby), Reginaanld, Taimi)

The beginning of the school year is traditionally marked with athletics in the afternoons, so our kids are busy right now. In the office, we are finishing up all the needed paperwork and finalizing the schedule of Omapitiro Weyuva. The program will begin in earnest next month (March 2009). We will meet Friday afternoons from 15:00pm-17:00pm. The volunteers will teach specific topics of the week. Some topics may last longer than the two-hour period and will carry over the next week.

We would like to thank you for all your support. You have made Omapitiro Weyuva a reality. It means so much to the community, volunteers, and mostly the children. They are very excited for the future months to show you all their hard work. Okuhepa Tjinene!!