COTFONE News

News!

1) Baby class gets renovated! With help from a Dutch Foundation named Na ma ono, COTFONE was able to cement the floor of one of the main classrooms as well as install windows and doors. This will help ensure that the children are in an environment that is more conducive to learning, and will lead to less health problems. In addition, a sanitary pit is being built for the children and a new classroom will be constructed in March. Click here for photos

2) COTFONE Children’s Soccer cup 2008 is a great success! The tournament came to an end on January, 4th 2009, after a fierce battle between Kiwangala FC and Lukindu A. Lukindu A came out victorious, with a 1-0 win in front of a packed crowd. The winners received a much envied trophy and a cash prize, while the runners- up received a goat. The program was implemented with the intention of identifying children’s talents outside of a formal classroom setting, and encouraging teamwork and leadership. A life skills development program was introduced, and participants were given the skills needed to make better decisions in the future. Click here for photos

3) Christmas Packages distributed: On Sunday, December 21^st, 30 Christmas packages were delivered to the elderly. Working with Munno Y’oyo (A friend in need), COTFONE was able to identify those elderly that were most vulnerable due to their physical disabilities and their precarious situation looking after many orphans. The contents of the packages included salt, soap, sugar, and other basic amenities that allowed these people to celebrate Christmas with a smile on their face. COTFONE plans on continuing to work with this group to develop Income Generating Activities and form a Village and Savings Loan Association. Click here for photos

4) COTFONE Voluntary Counseling and Testing Program receives an enormous turnout! Faced with inclement weather, and a less than hospitable working environment, COTFONE managed to persevere and get 600 Guardians, OVC’S, and other community members tested for HIV/AIDS. In addition, a drama was put on by a local youth group, sensitizing the participants on HIV/AIDS prevention techniques. Click here for photos

New Programs in 2009

Life Skills Development: In order to encourage better decision making among youth, COTFONE has implemented a life skills development program with a specific focus on HIV/AIDS prevention. The first training took place on December 22^nd, 2008 and was a great success. COTFONE has already formed another training group, consisting of children selected from the soccer tournament. The program will continue, with sessions held once a week and focuses on everything from peer pressure to HIV/AIDS transmission.

Counseling and social support: Now that we have identified those women that are HIV/AIDS positive, we will begin providing these women with continued support advice, and referrals. The eventual purpose of the program is to develop a self managed peer support network for women who have similar problems.

After school arts program: On January 6^th, 2009, COTFONE introduced it’s first after school arts program. The purpose of the program is to identify children’s talents outside of a formal classroom setting, and provide them with the vocational skills that they need to make a better future for themselves. It also encourages the children to think in different ways, and develops their analytical and artistic skills that are typically overlooked.

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