Staying Connected
As many millions of children around the world are now being home-schooled, we take for granted how easy it is to switch on a laptop, computer or tablet to help our children stay connected with their school friends and educated through online classes. For the children who attend our Tikva schools it isn’t so simple. Many of them come from low income families who can’t afford laptops, computers or tablets to support their home-schooling.
Education is obviously an extremely important factor in being able to give a child the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and we feel strongly that our disadvantaged children should not fall behind due to their circumstances. Therefore, we bought laptops or tablets and educational materials for all the children who needed them.
Our online classes maintain elements of formal education but much of the time is also spent ensuring that our students continue to socialise with their classmates, collaborate with them and find a way to stay connected whilst maintaining social distancing.
For the children in our Tikva Homes, we moved all the computers from the school buildings into the Homes, so as many of the children as possible can keep on top of their schoolwork, stay connected with their school friends outside of the Homes and keep entertained.
Fun & Games
As life in lockdown continues, giving our children at Tikva a sense of ‘normality’ during these extraordinary times is vital for their mental and physical health. The best way we can do this is through physical activity, fun and laughter. Before the restrictions became too tight, we purchased new toys, games, sports equipment and bikes for the children. These have really helped to break the monotony and feelings of isolation.
The staff and children in our Homes are staying positive, upbeat and hopeful, and are making the most of this situation by enjoying BBQs, gardening, using their wonderful imaginations for play, and of course bringing out their competitive sides.
Special Deliveries
Although it is sadly not always the case, but many of the children who don’t live in our Homes but who attend our schools, come from homes that are free from abuse and neglect. These children are loved, and their families care for them to the best of their abilities, but more often than not, they are faced with severe financial difficulties. For these children, it is not uncommon for them to have their only hot meals of the day at our schools, and they rely heavily on the nutrition and nourishment that these provide.
During this difficult time, these families are even more vulnerable as they cannot afford to put food on their tables. We have therefore been delivering daily food packages and hot meals to 214 disadvantaged children and their families, as well as working hard to ensure that they do not feel isolated or abandoned during lockdown. More importantly, they know that not only are they are not alone, but that Tikva will do everything humanly possible to support them and give them hope. No child should suffer as a result of this global crisis and we will continue to do everything in our power to make sure that these children and their families are provided for and able to stay safe.
