"Safe Park" for Children

You are making a difference! As a result of your generosity we are able to provide a safe and learning environment for orphans and vulnerable children from Matero – a community that is characterized with a high incidence of HIV, TB and malaria. Most residents in this community are poor and live on less than $2 per day – defined as extreme poverty by the UN.  

Given below is a story of a typical child who has benefitted from regular participation in "Safe Park" activities and is on track to become a role model for younger children.

Peter is a 12-year old orphan who enrolled in our “Safe Park” program about two years back but started participating regularly 12 months back. He lives with his aunt and cousins in Matero. At the time of enrollment, Peter was quiet, withdrawn, did not smile, missed school regularly and had few friends. Over the last year or so, Peter’s personality has changed and he is a different boy in many ways. He now interacts well with his peers, attends school regularly, has several friends, and like most children his age loves playing soccer. Peter’s aunt is happy as he is doing well at school. She said that the “Safe Park” program has made a significant impact on Peter. Also, his aunt said that Peter is turning into a responsible young boy as he helps with chores at home. Peter participates in all “Safe Park” activities, expresses himself freely, and likes playing with the other children. In addition, he proudly shares his report card with the counsellors during educational activities. We are confident that he will be a wonderful role model/mentor for other kids as he gets older.

This program is making a positive impact on the children from the community of Matero. The children seem happy while playing and learning and better adjusted to home and school. Almost all children who participate regularly show a significant improvement in their overall health. And with better health they are able to attend school, learn and make their families and the community stronger. 

More important, “Safe Park” activities are having a greater impact on children who have been traumatized and/or abused. In these cases, there has been a reduction in grief and trauma, and the child’s relationship with the family has been positively reinforced. In addition, the children develop a sense of belonging and hope for the future.

Your gift of fun and learning, continues to benefit more than 650 children from the community of Matero in Lusaka, Zambia. Thanks!

Links:

• About "Safe Park"
• "Safe Park": A weekly haven.
• Impact of "Safe Park" on Children's Health

The Power of Love team and Zambian families truly appreciate your continued support for our “Safe Parks” program in Zambia. Your support and caring continues to provides an opportunity for vulnerable children/orphans to play and learn in a happy environment.

Goals: Our goal with the“Safe Park”program, is to provide a safe and happy environment for children to play and learn. Community health workers organize games and educational activities that keep the children engaged, happy, and off the streets for a few hours each week. Homework help is also provided. In addition, while the children are busy, qualified health care professionals observe them for any signs of trauma, grief, and distress and counsel the family as needed. In cases of domestic violence and abuse the child is referred to the appropriate agency for further support. The morning session ends with the provision of a snack for all participants.

Who Benefits? Beneficiaries are children and families living in the community of Matero, one of the largest and poorest compounds in Lusaka, Zambia. Every week 80-85 children and their families benefit from this program that is free and open to all children from the community.

Impact: "Safe Park" games and activities help children cope with difficult situations at home and have a positive impact on their mental health. These activities bring a sense of structure, safety, and normalcy to the child’s environment. In addition, psycho-social support provided in an environment which facilitates discussions leads to an improvement in all aspects of the child's health (physical, mental, social, emotional and intellectual).

One of the unexpected but positive outcomes of this program is that older children who are regular participants become mentors and role models for younger children. Older children, under the guidance of our community health workers, teach, play and provide homework help to younger children. As a result, both sets of children feel a sense of belonging in the community. Also, young adults (18-21 years old) from the community join "Safe Parks" as volunteers to play with their younger counterparts and have a great time. Finally, interaction with other children, both HIV+ and HIV free, reduces stigma associated with HIV.  

To Sum: Almost all children who participate regularly show a significant improvement in their overall health. And with better health they are able to attend school, and show an improvement in school performance. Children are encouraged to bring in their report cards from school and many children feel confident enough to share their progress at school.

“Safe Park” activities have had a greater positive impact on children who have been traumatized and/or abused. In these cases, there has been a reduction in grief and trauma, and the child’s relationship with the family has been positively reinforced. In addition, the children develop a sense of belonging and hope for the future.

Thanks for your caring!

Links:

• About Safe Park
• Impact of Safe Park on Children's Health
• Safe Park: A Weekly Haven