The LitWorld Boys Club had four sessions in the month of September. On the first week of that month they were re-introduced to the seven pillars of the Boys Club curriculum. They had a general overview of the whole curriculum after which they set on discussing one of the pillars-Esteem (Confidence). Participants were able to define esteem, explain its importance, characteristics, how to develop self-esteem, the contributing factors of positive self-esteem and the importance of high self-esteem. They also had a weekly test which involved self-esteem assessment test. This scoring purposes to get a general idea of where their self-esteem is at the moment.
The third week was characterized by discussion about values. The objective of this session was to enable them to be in a position to explain what is meant by values and attitudes, identify personal, family, religious and cultural values. They were also able to learn where values come from, know how values affect our behaviors and how it determines our relationship with others. The methodologies that were used included brainstorming, discussions and small group work.
On the last week of September, the boys discussed another element in the clubs curriculum-Curiosity. Again they defined curiosity, its importance, characteristics and how to improve on it. They also read poems and quotes on curiosity from famous authors. Lastly, they made a pin-up chart that contained the poems and the quotes.
In the month of October, the group had enjoyable moments. The following poems were composed by members of the club as an attempt of appreciating some the elements they have discussed during their meetings.
COMPASSION
By Brian
Compassion is a feeling of love
When you show compassion
Many souls are at peace
The world becomes a better place
Compassion, is all the world needs
Imagine of a world without compassion
People harming and killing
It is a lost world
We can avoid this
Compassion is all what you and me need
Compassionate people have
Smiling faces around them
They help the poor
Encourage the weak
Accompany the lonely
And………list is endless
Compassion, is all that we need
HOPE
By the Kibera Boys Club
Circumstances are grim
Uncertainty is the theme
Fear has blurred my vision
Vision to future mission
Left with a wounded eagerness
Despair and other mess
Hope has deserted me
I keep digging
Deep into my intricate being
To ‘exhume’ the little bit
Left to save the soul a bit
Hope is all I need
Belief is all I breed
To regain my normal being
I hear they say
A hopeless man says nay
And lives with despair and gloom
Never lives to bloom
Hope they say
Is essential for a day
It designates the essence of humanity
-Jeff