Maria Haipinge
Using money she recently obtained through a Commonwealth Games Federation scholarship, Petrina Aron created a holiday camp for children in Katutura to keep them busy with positive activities.
Over 70 children attended the seven-day development camp in May this year, under the theme, ‘Changing Mindsets Community Camp’.
It was organised by the Basketball Artists School (BAS), and carried out by 50 BAS volunteers, of whom Aron is one, at the centre’s facilities at the Katutura Youth Complex.
The camp catered for youngsters, aged 6-16, with interests in sports and art.
Participants were taught life skills and to build self-confidence.
“I contributed because I was once in their position where I didn’t have much, and someone stepped in and contributed to my life.
And because I know where I come from, I want to pay forward and give someone else an opportunity,” Aron told Youth Corner.
Aron (21) underlined the meaning of the camp, saying “it’s the beginning of change in our community – that’s why it was themed ‘Changing Mindsets Holiday Camp’.
She stated that many children indulge in unwanted activities during the holidays because they have plenty of free time, and their parents can’t do much with them, as they are busy trying to put food on the table.
“The camp brought joy and a sense of living to myself and my team because of the smiles and the amount of fun the kids had. I am happy that we contributed to their lives in a positive way.”
The children visited the national art gallery, museum, fire brigade and Eros Airport. They also had the opportunity to listen to a police officer, a doctor and a lawyer share their work experiences.
A talent show, called ‘VENT’, was also arranged, while sprint stars Christine Mboma and Ndawana Haitembu surprised the children with a visit.
“The joy on the kids’ faces was very overwhelming because many of them dreamt of meeting them, but they never thought that they will meet at a holiday camp. They asked them some questions regarding their journeys, got autographs and took pictures with them.”
Leonard Amoomo, a grade 2 learner at Mandume Primary School, enjoyed the camp, saying “I learned how to dance and how to play basketball”.
Volunteer Ella Andima, a grade 11 learner at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School, said it was great to see how participants interacted with one another throughout.
“However, my patience and kindness were really tested, so I think it’s fair to say that I somehow grew from the camp as well,” said Andima, who was in charge of updating the camp’s social media platforms.
Feedback received from participants’ families regarding the initiative was positive in that it kept the children productive whilst they carried out their other responsibilities.
Aron said she was satisfied with the outcome, considering it was their first-ever camp, and they plan to make it a yearly event.
She also said there is still a lot of work they will have to put in and reach out to as many children as they can.
– emariahaipinge@gmail.com