Dec

2015
Cape Town hub

Christmas Holiday Program at Ikhayalethemba

Objectives

Improve the quality of Education
Support Local Centres as they strive to meet criteria for full registration

Summary

In Cape Town we run an alternative program during the Christmas period. The program operates from Ikhayalethemba
Village Sanctuary where we work with pre-school and school aged children as well as children with special needs. We
give the children an opportunity to have a break from their usual curriculum but still provide engaging and stimulating
activities, mainly with a Christmas focus. Its always a fun and rewarding time both for the children and our volunteers.

Report

It was a busy month at Ikhayalethemba in the lead up to Christmas. The children and volunteers were involved with
Christmas cultural and arts & crafts activities, making Christmas cards and decorations. There was also lots of practice
and preparation for the Nativity which would be performed on Christmas Day. Every child had a part in the Nativity. The
children designed their costumes during lesson time.

It was a privilege to be invited by Mama Lumka to Ikhayalethemba on Christmas Day to join the children and her family
with the celebrations. The children were delighted to see Tata Lumka dressed as Father Christmas. Each child was
given a gift from Father Christmas, which was supported by generous GVI Charitable Trust donors. Tata Lumka took his
role as Santa very seriously and it was a precious memory made for him and the children. We took photos for the
Children for their memory boxes. Memory boxes for each child are a requirement of registration. The Nativity was a
great success, performed to Mama and Tata Lumka. We had a delicious South African braai with Mama and her family.

Our Arts and Childcare volunteer took on the task of painting the childrens wardrobes. The children were asked what
design they wanted, it was great for the children to have the choice and be able to individualise them.

We concluded our Christmas holiday program with a trip to the beach. It was a fun day for all, with games in the sand
and picnics in the park. A few of the children were brave enough to have a paddle in the sea.


Summary

Its important for children that they have a break over the school holidays, however alternative activities still focus on
areas of development such as fine and gross motor skills, vocabulary development, using their imagination and
developing social skills . The children are refreshed and ready for the new school year ahead.