Acrobatics training
It is a month now that Africa Watoto started the Acrobatics programme and we can already see a difference in the boys’ fitness, behavior and well-being.
The boys who live at the centre, have previously lived in the streets of Mombasa and have experienced the life of the streets and how it is to be hungry, have nowhere to sleep and beg for survival. They were exposed to abuse, exploitation and they lived a life that no child should live so when they come to the center it takes time for them to settle in their new environment. The center is a starting point for them to change their lives and offers them the opportunity to be educated at primary level and participate in various activities. We want to advance the education of the children and teach them skills which will enable them to use in the future and give them access to activities like all the other children in the world.
Acrobatics is a sport that has big reputation in Kenya and we knew that the children would be very happy to learn so we decided to started the pro gramme with weekly classes. The class gives them the opportunity to learn the techniques of acrobatics and practice when they are not at school. We know that not all of them will be able to continue their secondary education so we want to give them an extra tool for their future when they finish their primary education at the centre.
The Acrobatics teacher strongly believes that acrobatics will enable them to get a job in the future and maybe get a chance to travel outside Kenya, he said: “Like myself I use acrobatics as a job and I get to travel and teach others so they will be able to do the same. Acrobatics is an International sport and can give them the opportunity to travel abroad. The boys are really eager to learn and makes them very happy.”
Acrobatics also helps their mind and body to relax when they are out of school and in general it’s good for their health and fitness. The house father said: “The boys asked me to wake them up early in the morning to exercise. After they go to shower, have breakfast and go to their classes. They are very motivated and it’s really good for them”. Also it helps them build a team spirit with each other. One of the boys who is part of the acrobatics team said: “When it’s time to leave from the center we want to be able to meet with each other again and work as a team.”
The boys have picked up very quickly and we want in the future the older boys to teach the younger ones so they can develop leadership and team skills. Our overall goal is to help them learn new skills that will enable them to use in their future wherever they are. As the training continues the Acrobat teacher asked us to buy for them the acrobatics tools such as rings, fishing lines etc. for the children to practice when they reach at an advanced level. We are currently raising funds for the Acrobatics programme. If you would like to contribute please visit our Bmycharity page your donation will help us to continue offering new skills to the children.
Also check out the Acrobatics training album on facebook
