Shekinah Full Gospel Church in Beacon Valley fed and entertained over 300 children from the community of Beacon Valley during the school winter holidays from Monday June 24 to Friday June 28.
The theme was: “Jesus; The First Avenger”, which spoke about their Christian beliefs on God fighting on their behalf, in their circumstances and in their community.
The play leaders worked with children from ages five to 14. They did road marches to collect children from their homes to join the holiday programme, they also played games, fed the children breakfast, lunch, a snack and handed out party packets.
Play leader, Jesse Warnick, 15, from Morgenster said children came from all over to be part of the holiday club. “It was my first time doing the holiday club and it was amazing to see children coming together to have fun and do things they don’t usually do every day.”
Play leader, Anica Finch, 16, from Beacon Valley said they had to humble themselves to work with the children. “It was sad to see what they had to go through at such a young age. If I could, I would give them a better life to make their circumstances better; they don’t deserve to be in an environment like this. It makes you as a person humble and makes you appreciate what you have more,” she said.
Shanice Walker, 19, from Beacon Valley said the holiday club has changed her.
“We look at children in a different way at holiday club. One of the children came with one outfit, worn every day all day and this made my heart soft. My experiences with the leaders changed and we became a family. We didn’t do this because we wanted to gain anything but we did this to change the children’s lives,” she said.
Another play leader, Tyrees Jackson, 18, from Beacon Valley said it was a great experience for him.
“I have always wanted to be the ‘Captain of the Week’, who makes the children crazy and being their hero. This year I got to be ‘Captain Boentjie’. I have learnt that we should not keep things in as someone else may be going through the same thing. I have learnt a lot about myself and especially the children who always have a smile on their faces no matter their circumstances. I was their captain, they love me and I love them,” he said.
One of the programme leaders, Donavan Witbooi said the week would not have been possible without all the support they’ve received.
“Thank you to our church family for helping us feed the children and to all those who donated and sponsored even more food and gifts. The children and leaders thoroughly enjoyed their time at holiday club last week; we are forever grateful.”
