Earlier this month, children from Natebe Kids Club in Livingstone enjoyed a lesson on family trees taught by Lion Encounter community volunteers. 

Firstly, the children were asked to discuss the individual people that make up a family.  Having identified over 10 family members, they were each given a card with the name of a particular family member written on.  Every card also contained either a number ‘one’, or ‘two’.  Using these numbers, the children had to form their ‘family’ with other class members until each of the two groups contained a mother, father, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.          

After this, the volunteers demonstrated a family tree; explaining where each family member should be positioned.  With an example on the board to follow, the children then drew and decorated their own family trees. For these children, belonging to a family is very important, so creating their family tree was an enjoyable experience.   

The session ended, as usual, with games outside and the chance for the children to use up some of their boundless energy.

Natebe Kids Club provides local youngsters with engaging and informal lessons on conservation and health topics, as well as the opportunity to play in a safe environment.  Many of these children are growing up dealing with situations way beyond their years.  In a country ravaged by HIV/AIDS, they are often caring for ill parents or younger siblings, while missing out on their own childhood.  As well as offering these children respite, the sessions also allow us to identify any that may be struggling in their home lives, so that additional support can be provided.    

You can help ALERT to support schools in local communities by sponsoring a school, or you may wish to join us in Africa as an intern, or as part of our community volunteer program.