Blog 64 New students

During the start of the new academic year, we welcomed four new students: two boys and two girls. Arafat, a boy almost 14 years old; Awonbolomi, a girl, 5 years old; Godson, a boy, 6 years; and Awentimi, 11 years old.

They did all come after each other, which gave the group the time to adjust to the new children. And, as always, the start is always difficult. Arafat has autism. He can do everything, wants to help with everything. He speaks not very clear, so it took the children a little time to understand him. He really likes to come to school. When he meets you in town you feel an arm around your neck: that is how happy he is to see you.

Awonbolomi is a very happy girl. She doesn’t speak, which makes communication difficult. She is not used to play with other children, so she wants to take toys just like that. The other children know already that you have to ask. Awonbolomi likes to play with other children, so she also gives toys to them. This all together makes it difficult for the rest to understand what her plans are. That is really a challenge for them.

Godson is one of the youngest. He is also not speaking. He makes contact in a friendly way. He is not used to white people, so he can observe Margreet very seriously, for quite a long time. Until somebody asks for his attention, then he stops observing. In a short period that will be ok, I hope! He likes to play outside. He observes before he starts playing.

Awentimi is used to go to school. She speaks very clear, but as a few other children she doesn’t want to make mistakes. So, or she doesn’t answer, or in such a soft voice that you can not hear her. We do not see that as a problem. When she is surer of herself, she will develop very positive. She likes very much to go to school. It happened one time on the Monday, that before the bus came to pick her, she went to visit her aunty at her previous school! Just to say hello.