A Christian school holiday club has provided a safe space for Bay youngsters to have fun while learning about God.
The Legendary Kids Holiday Club at the Ebenezer International community church’s Algoa Park and north campuses ran from Monday to Friday last week, with more than 200 children in attendance.
Pastor Russel Viljoen said their focus on children aligned with the church’s vision of sowing good seeds in the lives of Timothy Valley and Jacksonville children.
“Imagine what these communities could be like 10 years from now if we sow the good seeds.
“It might sound like a cliché, but love makes a big difference.”
He said volunteers had taken leave from their jobs to assist in the weeklong programme because they believed in the future of the children in their community.
He said the programme had focused on spiritual growth, recycling, and good morals, with guests invited to give talks to the children.
“Waste Trade Recycling Company was here to teach the children about the importance of recycling and caring for the environment.
“But this is not a one-off programme.
“People are dumping rubbish in front of their homes.
“I realised we, as a church, needed to address the illegal dumping issue in the area.”
He said they were embarking on another programme called “Adopt-a-Spot”, where they would adopt dumping hotspots and then train the residents in those areas on how to keep them clean.
Viljoen said bullying had been another focus area during the programme.
“There are two abnormal things that became ‘acceptable’ behaviour in these areas — verbal and physical aggression.
“The children don’t even know that it is wrong.
“We have to give them a better alternative.
“We have a huge task ahead of us if we hope to change their mindsets.
“And that is why our resources are focused on children.”
He said if the children remembered anything from the past week, he hoped it would be the slogan which was part of the anti-bullying programme offered by CMR-PE social worker Chantelle Jonkers.
She had taught them the line: “Be a buddy, not a bully.”
Jonkers had also encouraged the children to not just be bystanders, and to assist those who are bullied.
“If there is one seed I can plant, it would be not to keep quiet against bullies.
“Use your voice,” Jonkers said.
HeraldLIVE
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