A while back there was a comment on how the holiday program is successful. I don’t know exactly how the program works today, but I can attest the fact that it many not be as positive as intended. I have some thoughts on the program that I wish to share.
The intentions of the holiday program are good, and I do not refuse that in some settings it may work out and the desired results be realized. I speak from experience and my views are based on discussions I have had with some of the children. I personally think more work should be put into it for the results to be desirable.
- I am sure that the scenario is slightly different in today's case, but for a long time going to your relatives was perceived as the ultimate punishment. I regret that this notion is still there and some kids actually feel they are being punished. I believe there should be preparation for the children to explain why they need to visit their relatives; this can be done by the mothers at home or even the older brothers and sisters. Not forgetting the youth leader and educators.
- I think some background check on the relatives should also be done. The reason I say this is, as much as we say we are going to visit relatives, some of the circumstances that made us come to SOS may have resulted from family feuds. Some children are not welcome at their relative’s homes, and some relatives will not hide this from the children. Other children have inherited land or property that their relatives are not ready to relinquish. I fear that there are some who will stop at nothing to claim their relative’s property.
- This case is a problem that has been there for a long time and I hope it will change, or has changed. I feel that some of the comments made by the educator, mothers or even the youth leaders to the relatives play a major role in the relative’s perception of the children. Picture this, your relative (niece, cousin or whatever the relation) is brought to stay with you for vacation and the guardian has nothing nice to say about them. Will you have a positive outlook to the stay, or you will see a difficult child in your care?
- Another downside of the program is the differentiation it makes between the children whose relatives are known and those whose relatives are not known. I have heard one of the kids being teased mercilessly over the fact that she has no known relatives. This is a cause for concern for the mothers as well because the children without relatives end up spending the vacation with her and the others away from home. From a child’s point of view, does that mean the ones staying home have a different relationship with the mother than those going away to visit relatives? This may not be a grownup’s reality, but for the children, these will be some of the questions going through their minds.
The program is not a complete failure; with some work, it can be a tool that can be used to expand the SOS children’s world view. It can help eliminate some of the shortages we face in life outside the confines of SOS. A lot of work needs to be done though to make is work positively. I think it is better to do something once and do it well, rather than do it badly over and over until the lesson is lost.
It is not my intention to paint the program, or relatives in a bad light. I am just referring to the scenarios that may lead to failure. There are relatives out there who influence the children positively and have contributed tremendously to their success in life.
Today’s Challenge
Could you host a child from the village to stay with you for the vacation? If not, what would prevent you from doing that?
