Water Saftey, Fun, and Fellowship
/Though interrupted by COVID, CFNA is again providing water safety classes for refugee kids, and the enrollment is larger than ever! Approximately 100 students from almost a half dozen birth nations have signed up. The purpose of the class is to provide basic water safety skills for refugee kids that never had the chance to learn how to swim.
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Of course, it has also been a time for lots of fun and fellowship. More to the point, it has been a time for the development of friendships, even among New Americans from different birth nations, who had not been previously acquainted! For those reasons and more, the students are always eager to come back and get into the water.
Hassanaf, a young girl from Afghanistan, repeatedly asks on the way home from every session, “We come back to swim tomorrow please, to see our friends and learn?” One mother also told me, “My child makes sure he waits by the door every morning of our swim lessons so that he doesn’t miss it.” No doubt other mothers could say the same.
The primary reason these classes have come back stronger than ever is because the program has been expanded to also include refugee families from Oasis International, and Welcome Neighbor STL. Additionally, outdoor games have also been structured into the program, along with snacks and devotions provided by the group leaders.
We offer our sincere thanks to the staff of Concordia Turners Gymnastics Center, as well as to the almost 15 volunteers who have helped with the lessons as well as with the transportation needs. This program will continue for another week and if you are interested in possibly serving as a volunteer, or know of someone who is, please feel free to reach out to me by email or phone.
By: Anna Pavia, Summer Intern
Apavia28@gmail.com
636-866-8923
