Observations of the children by Yebo volunteers
Today we were lucky enough to again work with 2 groups of children from Letaba school. Although this turned in to 2 groups of children with added extras!
We are gradually trying to focus our activities more on feelings and animals as we go along which also helps with our observations. These are now being written up for Susan, the deputy head teacher, so that she will be able to use these and share them with the teachers.
A lot of the work today was around using sock puppets and 
drama/stories. Some great work was being done in the 2 groups.
Our observations have interested us over the past 2 weeks. Each day we debrief on the work we have been doing. We have managed to identify the children that have needed one to one care and attention which we have made our best efforts to give.
Some of the children are very able and very confident, always wanting to get involved in the activities, others are less confident and need help to join in. Below are just a few copies of some of our observations from the past 2 weeks, all names have been changed for confidentiality. All 
of the photos on this page are not linked in anyway with the 
notes/observations of children.
Greg
Has a lot of confidence and likes to join in with activities. Always appears to share with his friends and is very independant. Does not like you to help him.
Thomas
Very withdrawn, does not speak. Needs help to do painting and gets involved. Doesn’t like to sing but smiles when others do. Has head 
turned away at the start of every session but will begin to move it round by he end of each one. Appears to not like being around 
or near the other children but likes one to one in the corner of the room where he responds better.
Sarah
Very sad eyes, takes a while for her to smile. Is happy when given a lot of attention and needs help with building confidence. Appears quite shy and needs help to interact with activities although is very able bodied. Loves making ‘girly’ activities such as necklaces. Was very shy around the animals and swimming but appeared to enjoy it alot.
Clark
Very challenging behaviour. Bites hand, can hit other children, very hyperactive, has a very short attention span. Gets 
very frustrated when attention not given to him. Needs one to one. Likes to do activities when prompted and very proud to show others his work. Very kind at times and will help others. Does understand when spoken to, liked animals, very gentle and loved swimming. Lots of energy. Very challenging to work with. Likes singing and will join in with songs. Cries when frustrated and gets angry very quickly.
Susie
Very quiet. Can speak well. When in large groups becomes very shy, and comes out of herself more when working closely with a volunteer. 
Looks worried and doesn’t like to have eye contact. Makes very creative pictures and activities. Gets upset and very shy if you try to make/encourage her do something. Likes to be given options but struggles when around other children.
Vincent
Very independent and has a good sense of humour. Although gets annoyed when given too much attention. Likes to be around his friends and those who understand his disability. Likes to be helped by his friends, and laughs when volunteers approach him with caution. Very bright, has learned to adapt well to his physical disabilities and thinks it is funny when people presume he cannot do things for himself. Smiles alot. Does like to join in, but on his terms only. Likes to watch others doing activities.
Sulley
Appears to be very attention seeking and never wants to leave your side, always wants to steal everything you have on you such as a phone or a camera and loves you telling him he is cheeky but will always give things back. Very happy when able to express himself though dancing, likes a large space to do activities. Was very outgoing and not so attention seeking when out of his school at other activity environments. When in this situation, his personality and behaviours appear to be completely different and alot more positive. Appears very caring and enjoys singing. Very good at dancing!
Mary
Likes to be on own and doesn’t like any physical contact with volunteers or children. Won’t join in activities if asked or encouraged to do so. If left on own, will do an activity when you are not giving her any attention. As soon as you look at her she will stop and sit in the corner. Can say yes or no but very quietly and goes in and out of the classroom at her own accord. Likes to watch and observe others. Doesn’t interact with the other children.
Creative
Very shy, does not give eye contact, was very scared of animals and of volunteers. Would stay with one of the teachers but did not want to interact with any activities or be around anyone.
Our volunteers reflect
Although sometimes our work can be frustrating, it has been very beneficial to the children, teachers, carers and to the volunteers in this challenging environment. The volunteers on this trip have worked very hard in all of the activities and days spent on this trip. This had been a great experience to learn, and give at the same time.
By Roger Mallins, August 18, 2010 @ 10:13 am
Congratulations all of you for a job well done!
By Doreen, September 28, 2010 @ 2:43 pm
Wow, this is intriguing. You are really doing alot by helping these children and creating a great impact in their lives as well as the environment, which will enhance a positive transformation in them. Thanks a lot Yebo.