Christmas Time at the Women’s Development Centre

The Christmas Party at the Centre was planned for 30 December.  In the morning Richard, Robert, Carlo and Precious agreed to make some Christmas decorations which Anne and Michael had sent over. They had such fun making the paper chains and looking at the lovely colourful pictures – Santas, reindeer, penguins and snowmen.  Precious particularly liked the red shiny chain and with help he could count the rings…he is in Standard 1 at St. Peter’s.

 

Putting the decorations up at the Centre was a challenge; they kept breaking and the sellotape only held them for a short while on the wall.  Finally Sepo realised we could use one of the high wooden beams, so we borrowed a ladder (not like ours but made from a tree trunk).  Fearless Sepo climbed up to the wooden beam to hang some decorations and Dorica found some ribbon to tie them round the pillars.  Many children joined in by blowing up the balloons then hanging them up.  There was much laughter and smiling as we chanted “YES, Yes, Yes”…thanks Tom for the balloons. 

 

 

Party time began.  We had lots of games; races, skipping, football, skittles and the wonderful coloured parachute.  It is great to see that some of the toys previously taken out are still intact and being used.

 

 

 

Next everyone enjoyed the food; 2 pieces of meat, a large plate of rice, small spoon of greens and one potato.  This was washed down with a glass of Sobo (diluting orange). Some children put a little of their food in a container to take home to share with the family or to eat later.

 

 

 

Finally it was time to give the Christmas gifts which had been sent from St. Matthew’s Academy and a sweet sent from Scotland.  It was great to wish each child a Merry Christmas on behalf of St. Matthew’s and Scottish Donors.  Once again, Paul and I feel very privileged to this on their behalf.  We have the very good fortune of seeing the joy on the children’s faces and feeling the warmth in their hearts. 

There was great excitement as the children opened their gifts.  Finally it was time for Thanksgiving. One girl gave a Vote of Thanks in English to all the people who made this day possible.  Sepo, one of the older boys prayed in Chitumbuka while Lucy translated for us.  The words were very touching and I am certain if the Scottish people heard him they would continue to support the children at Christmas time; they do not take for granted the efforts made by everyone in Scotland.  This great day will be one of the happiest memories the children will treasure.