We all had a wonderful time over Christmas and New Year and we thought you would like to hear what we have been up to......We have 39 girls now in the safe house, the latest Isatu came yesterday to join our happy and growing family.
We have been making christmas decorations, cooking lovely food, UK Yebe made by Jane caused quite a stir here on New Years Eve, making jewellery, playing games, balance ball and hopscotch are the current favourites, playing santa too...apparently a few girls saw Miriam & I in our magic cloaks and caps putting sweets in the baskets and presents under the tree.
jewellery making was very popular and very relaxing too.....lovely quiet time with the girls and staff.
paper chain decorations were good for wearing too....
Christmas morning, the girls were busy doing their hair and trying to keep warm......Mawah, Christiana, Miriam & Saitu are not impressed with the weather as Hamatan has arrived and rainy season is well and truly over. It is blissfully warm & sunny weather for us however the girls are freezing cold, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Everyone is wearing socks and jumpers and blankets are much needed for everyone at night.
jewellery making was very popular and very relaxing too.....lovely quiet time with the girls and staff.
paper chain decorations were good for wearing too....
Santa filled the Danish baskets with sweets, a Mason family tradition.
Christmas morning, the girls were busy doing their hair and trying to keep warm......Mawah, Christiana, Miriam & Saitu are not impressed with the weather as Hamatan has arrived and rainy season is well and truly over. It is blissfully warm & sunny weather for us however the girls are freezing cold, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Everyone is wearing socks and jumpers and blankets are much needed for everyone at night.
The nativity play was delightful, Miriam directed it all fabulously and for days before and even now many days after you can hear the sweet sounds of Noel Noel and We wish you a merry Christmas through out the day and night........Here's Mary, Joseph & the donkey on their way to Bethlehem.
We have had several birthdays in December, Kofi, Isata, Jane and Kofi's chocolate spread sandwich cake went down a treat with all. New Years Eve was celebrated with style, cooking UK Yebeh (cassava stew), singing Auld Lang Syne and dancing together to see in the new Year. Isata & Jane had a cooking competition and I think the UK Yebeh won this time.........
My nest news is that my chicken has hatched 11 chicks whoohoo.......cockledoodledoo : )
We are now looking forward to the New Year and we have developed a program over the holidays to work with the girls to build upon the their strengths, encourage them to plan ahead so that they are able to achieve more in school and build their confidence and self esteem for the future.
We are also starting adult literacy classes in the village so that the parents and children can learn and grow together to build a stronger community, Maronka is already a hugely strong community, in fact I believe it is one of the strongest I have ever worked in.
Ok so the girls are starting on a plan for the new year and so is most of Maronka village and we know many of you will be too! How many of you are thinking of getting fit and being more healthy, probably even joining the gym, please please do not spend your money on gym membership we have a much more exciting way to get you back in shape for 2012.
Start training now to join us for..........A Bike Ride, yes a bike ride from Hoek Van Holland to Belgium via Amsterdam. On the 31st August, 1st & 2nd September . More details will follow later so you can join us in this fantastic fun and fundraising opportunity.
We wish all your hopes & dreams come true in 2012
Ann, Isata, Jane, Miriam and all the Maronka girls xxxx
Start training now to join us for..........A Bike Ride, yes a bike ride from Hoek Van Holland to Belgium via Amsterdam. On the 31st August, 1st & 2nd September . More details will follow later so you can join us in this fantastic fun and fundraising opportunity.
We wish all your hopes & dreams come true in 2012
Ann, Isata, Jane, Miriam and all the Maronka girls xxxx
If you ever do any online shopping, or even if you think you don't (because you might in the process find it is cheap and easy to do so) please do sign up. We will be most appreciative and you will definitely be making a difference to our work in Sierra Leone.
http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/educaidsierraleone
Why not buy a special gift for someone this year? EducAid Calendars for 2012 are £9:99. Please contact annbeatty@educaid.org.uk to order yours. All monies go to EducAid.
If you are interested in knowing more about EducAid's work with vulnerable young people, please go to http://www.educaid.org.uk/ and http://www.educaidsierrleone.blogspot.com/
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