Gift For Life Foundation Helps in building Self Esteem in Children
Children can be the most fun people to spend some time with but depending on their surroundings, they can get a bit bored if they are not having a good time. Whether you are a parent or not, learn how to bond with children to get an awesome experience from it. With such sentiments in mind, Gift For Life Foundation (GFLF) joins with friends to arrange a grand pool party on Sunday 2nd May, 2010 at a private residence in Valsayn. The good samaritan loving known as “ Sophie” was ecstatic when children from the Ark of Covenant ( Laventille) and Ezekiel Children’s Home (Preysal) graced her home with their presence. The aim of this outdoor activity was to build on the children’s level of interpersonal skills and improve on their self esteem . These are the skills that a child uses to interact with other people. Gift For Life Foundation views such skills as integral in the holistic development of children. Such skills are sometimes referred to as people skills or communication skills.
GFLF member , Charles Seecharan with the little ones from Ark Of Covenant Home,Laventille
Gift For Life Foundation is all about reaching out to underprivileged children and putting smiles on their faces not only on occasions and for Christmas ,but all year round.
Children from the two different homes were engaged in making ice cream and showing active involvement in the making of some Indian delicacies such as saheena, samosa and kuchoorie.
Nalini from GFLF shows Crystal how to make samosa
The children were watching other children as they took turns in applying their strengths to the ice cream pail and also in trying to get the right shape of the samosa. The interface amongst the children allowed then to make meaningful decisions in terms of when the food was properly cooked or simply when the ice cream was ready to be served.
Later, children demonstrated the ability to respect the rights of other children and to feel empathy for them.
GFLF members Steve Ram and Arvindra Debideen prepare the icecream for the children
They learnt to work cooperatively with others and to resolve conflicts in peaceful ways especially when two of the girls from different Homes were arguing when they were cooking. “This is the happiest day of my life.” Commented Saleena from the Ezekiel Home in Preysal.
GFLF members L-R Carol Panchoo,Cindy and Nigel Gangoo with Little Sa
Gift for Life Foundation strongly believed that taking the time to create opportunities for two sets of children to interact was indeed rewarding and beneficial. “ You can interact with your child in ways that encourage cooperative behaviour and respect for the rights of others and I think more opportunities should be given to children to interact with others across the country in positive ways and this in itself is vital to success in life” said Mr.Vivik Ragoonanan.
Children have fun in the pool - with GFLF member holding little Daniel from Ezekiel Home
Gift For Life Foundation believes that children remember things better when they learn them by doing and this was one of the main reasons why the children, in addition to the memorable time they spent in the swimming pool, were also found actively engaged in discovery learning and hands – on activities in the kitchen near the pool . Hands on learning was good for both children and adults. The learners (our nation’s children) were actively involved instead of just sitting and listening. This was the way GFLF wanted our children to learn. In order to learn best, children must be actively involved in hands-on activities every day.
GFLF member looks on as the girls fry and sample the kachoories
GFLF members,Sophie and children pose for a picture after a long day of FUN