Episode 3: Young Life Children’s Home Visit

A Day of Education and Empowerment

In a heart-warming event that underscored the power of community and the importance of youth mentorship, the VOLTA organization, known for its impactful youth mentorship programs, visited Young Life Children’s Home in Ruiru, Kiambu County. This visit was made even more special and memorable with the collaboration of Nuru, a dedicated community service group.

Activities of the day.

The day's activities were thoroughly planned to ensure that the children not only had fun but also gained valuable knowledge that would serve them well in their daily lives.
The day began with volunteers from both VOLTA and Nuru getting to work and cooking nutritious meals for the children. The atmosphere in the kitchen was lively, with chanting talks and music. Other volunteers were engaging the children in conversations about healthy eating and the importance of balanced diets.

Educational Sessions

After the meal, the focus shifted to education. Volunteers conducted sessions on various important topics such as HIV & AIDS, drugs and substance abuse, and hygiene.

Led by Zulekha, Jesse, and Agwa, the volunteers educated the children about HIV and AIDS, discussing prevention methods, the importance of testing, and dispelling common myths and misconceptions about the disease. Additionally, Ngaira led a compelling session on the dangers of drugs and substance abuse, teaching the children about the risks associated with drug use and the importance of making healthy choices.

Hygiene was another key topic of the day, with thorough sessions covering both environmental hygiene and personal grooming. In my session, I emphasized the significance of maintaining cleanliness to prevent diseases and promote overall well-being for both individuals and their surroundings.

The session on hygiene was particularly impactful. The children learned the basics of personal grooming, such as the importance of regular hand washing, brushing teeth, and bathing. I provided opportunities for the children to demonstrate how they keep their bedrooms clean and healthy. Practical demonstrations on proper hand washing and teeth brushing made the lessons both informative and engaging.

To add, I discussed environmental hygiene. I taught the children how to keep their surroundings clean, the importance of proper waste disposal, and the benefits of a clean environment for their health and happiness.

A Community United

The collaboration between VOLTA and Nuru highlighted the strength of community partnerships in creating positive change. The day concluded with the children expressing their gratitude through songs and dances, bringing smiles to the faces of all the volunteers as we celebrated the birthdays of the August babies.

Lastly, this visit to Thome Children's Home was more than just a day of activities. It was a testament to the power of education, community service, and the collective effort to nurture and empower the next generation.
Bahati’s writing VOLTA project analyst hehehe.