Starting 'School'

A few weeks ago, Samuel started to go to 'school'. It is a kind of crèche for children under three. Children can go there from around 7.30 am to 3.00 pm, Monday to Friday. We have decided to send Samuel there three mornings a week. We want him to interact with other children a little bit more and this crèche offers that option. It is the only crèche in Yendi, which accommodates about 20 children. To be admitted to the crèche, school fees have to be paid each term and the following equipment provided: 4 toilet rolls, 1 bottle of antiseptic, 2 bars of key soap (used to wash plates and cups), 2 plates, 2 spoons, 2 cups and a toy.

'On our way to school'

Samuel seems to enjoy going, as when we tell him in the morning that he is going to school, he is very excited, especially when we take him on the bicycle. However, sometimes when he first gets there he doesn’t want to enter the building and then when we collect him around noon he sometimes doesn’t want to go home. If you ask Samuel what he does at school he will say, 'we are making noise.' When he gets home he often tries to sing some of the songs he has learnt in school and gets very frustrated if we cannot help him sing them.

We have recently had a school uniform sewn for Samuel, which he proudly wears to school. With his backpack containing diapers, a clean set of clothes, water, a drink and biscuits and his food flask with rice he happily leaves the house.