from August 30: Child Celebration Days

This past week was exciting but also VERY exhausting. We held the first annual Child Celebration Days in each of our communities. Everyday of the last week we held one of these events. Sometimes it was outside under a cluster of trees or we packed into a government building or school. All of the children in our program and their parents or guardians were invited to attend. The purpose of the event was to celebrate the achievements of the supported children. Many of the children in the program did not have the opportunity to attend school until FHI came into their lives. It’s incredible how much potential was wasted by these children not being able to attend school. Now their lives are changed and many work extremely hard to gain high ranks in their classes. We had government officials attend each of the events. At each of the events we had between 500 and 1,500 people in attendance. Just picture 600 people packed into a room that should comfortably seat 200. At each of the celebration days we had different speakers from the government and FHI who spoke about the importance of school, health, HIV and many other topics. At a two of the celebrations everyone was given candles which were all lit from one central candle. It was a gleaming display of community and the influence one person can have on another as the flame spread from candle to candle. The highlight of the event was the awards of achievement. The children who ranked in the top 5 of their grade at their schools received new English or math exercise books. Those ranking first received big dictionaries. These children and their parents were beaming with pride. Following the award ceremonies the Food for the Hungry Drama team did comedy filled and touching dramas educating about HIV. Then came the mass distribution of bottled coke and cookies for everyone. At our biggest event it took over ½ an hour just to open up all of the coke bottles.

Each of the celebrations was a giant success. Nothing like this had ever taken place in any of the communities. People left feeling special and appreciated. It was a blessing to be able to participate.