Something New!

Editor’s Note. For the past several years CFNA has offered recent refugee arrivals, primarily elementary and secondary school students, swimming lessons. This year, as Afghan mothers watched their children receive these lessons, they determined that they too would like to learn how to swim. So, arrangements were made for the use of a private pool, as well as for the purchase of special swimsuits. Here Kathy Odegard tells us what happened next! 

Last month a dozen Afghan women conquered their fears and began swimming lessons. The women and girls met two times at a private backyard pool. Many had never been in a swimming pool before. CFNA provided religious swim wear and transportation.  

The homeowner and volunteer lifeguards instructed and encouraged the women in basic water safety, floating and swimming strokes. At first all were very cautious, but that soon gave way to laughter and determined effort. By the end of the second lesson everyone jumped off the pool deck into the shallow end. 

The women left with a newfound confidence and a desire to learn more. Several said their men wanted to learn to swim also. If you would like to help expand this program next summer, please contact CFNA at mail@cfna-stl.org!

By Kathy Odegard
CFNA Volunteer
Webster Gardens Lutheran Church