In Ibadan we checked on all our programmes and training courses that were running for the year, making sure that all was in order and ready to restart in 2007. We also held Christmas parties for the Ibadan School for the Deaf and a home for underprivileged, handicapped, and street children. In addition to this, we gave out Christmas gifts to several young, hospitalized children who are orphaned or motherless, at a local hospital that we work with. We completed the project with the usual distribution of staple goods to each centre.
The parties we held were a success even before they began, as the children excitedly look forward to our parties each year. The children from the school for the deaf even went as far as preparing a play and some dances. Now, dancing is quite a normal thing for most of us, but when you are deaf, it is an extraordinary feat that requires a lot of skill due to the fact that you hear nothing, and cannot follow along with the rhythm of the music. We were amazed as the children danced their hearts out and portrayed skills in dancing that most of us wouldn't be able to do even with our hearing ability.
After the performances we played games that got the kids stirred up, as they all competed in relay races, "musical" chairs (another interesting game without music), and many other games that ended with prizes for the winners and candy for the rest. At the end, the children enjoyed a wonderful lunch that was donated by many companies, and ice cream, which was a special treat, and last but not least, a hamper bag filled with goodies, toiletries, and snacks to start off their Christmas with a bang.
A similar event was held at the home for underprivileged, handicapped, and street children, where they played games, were served snacks and drinks, and received Christmas hampers, which they were so grateful for. Once again we enjoyed bringing happiness into these kid's lives and making them feel special and loved at Christmas.
We held a small ceremony for the school for the deaf students who had completed the tailoring course for the year. This course will start again this January and we are hoping that many more students will take the course and become a part of this programme which will help them learn a trade that they can continue in after they leave the school. Special prizes were given out to the top three students who put the most effort into the course and showed signs of becoming great tailors.