Rwanda
In Rwanda, our Kids Play families stopped by our program site on Thursday, June 18, to pick up a bag of maize flour each along with bars of soap. Our All Girls United players also received two packages of sanitary pads to ensure they’re able to keep up with their health and hygiene during this time. Food prices in Gatagara remain high, and parents continue to emphasize the importance of KPI’s support when their normal employment remains unsteady due to the pandemic.
“Life has not gone back to normal. People cannot make money from their regular farming jobs, as we are now in the dry season, and many families have minimal savings because of the COVID-19 lockdown. It’s going to take a while before people can get back on their feet.” – Coach Alice Usabye, Rwanda
One of the most rewarding aspects of our food distribution is the opportunity for KPI coaches to follow-up with families about their lives post-lockdown, as well as have a short discussion about our Play Fair values. This month, as part of the food distribution, we hosted a parent education session on gender equality in the home, where coaches chatted with moms and dads about what gender equality looks like, and ways—as adults—they can model this behavior to their children. For example, coaches talked about the role of the father, and how it’s important for men to help with chores around the house, such as cooking and cleaning, and not only engage in tasks viewed as “men’s work.” Coaches also talked with parents about healthy communication, encouraging them to ask their children what they learn at KPI, whether it’s community building, equity between boys and girls, or topics such as gender-based violence and sexual reproductive health.
The parents, many of whom have been attending our bi monthly parent education sessions, were active participants and showing that they are eager to learn more about KPI values.
“Equal connection between a husband and wife, which shows that they can work together fairly and with respect. By having this equality in the home, we understand that we must treat our male and female children the same way, giving them opportunities for success.” – Kids Play Rwanda Parent
Cambodia
Despite restrictions around the world beginning to loosen, and Cambodia’s economy in the onset of a reboot, KPI youth and their families still need support to get back on track. While there is still large uncertainty for what the future holds, with the help of our generous community, KPI was able to provide some peace of mind with another food distribution in June. Once again, KPI coaching staff distributed 90 families with 5 cans of fish, 10 kg of rice, 24 bags of noodles, salt, and two bars of soap each in order to ease the impact of the pandemic.
The food distributions make a drastic impact on the community as evidenced by Player Chii Chii, 8 years old and his family (right). After his mother passed away, his father left him and his younger sister with his grandma to raise them all by herself. At the food distribution, his grandmother expressed her gratitude with teary-eyes exclaiming:
“This food means so much to me. It is already hard enough for me to work and provide but now with COVID-19 everyone else is struggling and not many people are willing to help. Thank you KPI.”
During this month’s food distribution, KPI Coaches also used this time to reconnect with all of the players, and share news of the Ministry approval to restart some basic educational programming on July 6th which will focus on COVID-19 physical and emotional safety. Kids Play is exceptionally grateful to the generous community of donors and supporters who have helped make possible aid efforts in Cambodia. KPI looks forward to continuing to support the players and their families as this new version of our programming unfolds.
Once again, we thank you all for helping our families by contributing to the fundraiser we held. If you are looking for more ways to get involved, please consider Sponsoring a Player or making a Recurring Donation!
