"Safe Park" for Children

What is “Safe Parks”?

“Safe Parks” is a program free and open to all children in the community and addresses some of the challenges (mental and physical) faced by children living in the Matero compound in Lusaka, Zambia. The Matero compound is one of the largest (population of around 200,000) and poorest compounds in Lusaka, with an unemployment rate upwards of 65% and a high incidence of HIV/AIDS and malaria. As a result, children grwoing up in this compound face difficult challenges. "Safe Parks" provides children with an opportunity for safe play, and psycho-social support in an environment which facilitates activities, discussions, and educational lessons. In addition, homework help is provided. It keeps the children off the streets (where they can be abused or get into trouble) for a few hours on weekends and has led to an improvement in performance at school and keeps the children happy.  

Impact: Over the past few months, out trained child and youth care workers have been educating children (via games, drama, role play, and poetry) in prevention of HIV and malaria, overall health, safe sex, sexually transmitted diseases, and the importance of adherence to medication. A discussion of these issues makes the children feel comfortable about their positive status and encourages them to adhere to their medication regimen as it reduces stigma associated with HIV.  The younger children engage in drawing, coloring, soccer, playing with building blocks, singing and dancing. These activities benefit the children’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual development and overall health. Finally, expecting moms who are HIV positive are counselled on prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV which leads to fewer new infections. Direct beneficiaries are about 75-80 children and families who participate each week with a total of about 700 children enrolled.   

In 2013, a few children participated in the Barefeet Youth Arts Festival held in Lusaka. This was an opportunity to demonstrate to children from other districts, how they are “living positive” and having fun. We hope that the children can continue to participate every year.

Next Steps: Some of the older children who have graduated from high school have been mentoring the younger children by sharing their experiences, and helping with school work. We hope to make the mentoring component a permanent feature of this program.

Need for Funds: At this time we are raising funds to rent a bigger play area, and to provide a nutritious snack for the children every week. Please donate generously as every little bit counts and goes a long way in helping these children play and learn in a safe environment. 

Thanks for your support.

Links:

• http://poweroflove.org/safe-parks-weekly-haven
• Games we play in "Safe Parks"
• Our pediatric HIV/AIDS care program