SAFIRE: Keeping the spirit of Christmas alive

Christmas time always has a magical feeling to it and one of them is the spirit of Christmas which enables humans to surpass themselves. One such story is that of non-governmental organisation SAFIRE which works with street children in different regions of the island. 

For those many kids who do not have the setting to celebrate Christmas like other children, the NGO has decided to bring a smile to those faces. The organisation’s manager, Mr Maurer, reveals that they put a lot of emphasis on pedagogical development and celebration. “We wanted the children to learn and have fun at the same time. We are not celebrating Christmas in the traditional way like having lunch or through the distribution of gifts. It is more than that. We want to let the children feel that Christmas is more than just giving gifts. Throughout the activities, they learn about sharing, team spirit and hard work. In this way, those children never feel neglected,” he says.

The festive season started at SAFIRE since the start of December. The children under the supervision of the educator designed Christmas decorations using recycled and natural elements. They even organised a Christmas market to sell their products. As highlighted by Mr Maurer, these activities will help the children in their personal development. 

Special Lunch 

KPMG sponsored a special lunch for 80 children of SAFIRE at its Centre in Helvetia. The children prepared item songs and a sketch for that day. The children of Baie du Tombeau used to do their repetitions during week days at the Baie du Tombeau Community Centre. One child who did well in the CPE exams was congratulated by KPMG that decided to sponsor the child for the first academic year. Other children who performed well during the whole 2016 received gifts. For this Christmas, all the children received school bags and other school materials as gifts.

Pastry workshop

Christmas is characterized by decorations and cakes. Safire with the help of the Rotary Club of Phoenix organised a workshop on pastry making in the context of Christmas. “During the workshops the children baked different cakes which they carried to their house and ate with their family members. This activity aimed at helping them to understand the idea of sharing and creating,” Maurer says. The children were delighted with the session, as they could learn something new and creative.    

Likewise, together with Engine Filling Station, other special activities were organised. Together with a lunch, the staff of the station organised a small workshop on team spirit. The children were explained the basics and importance of team spirit. In the coming weeks, more activities will follow. Some children in the region of Triolet will be going to Trou aux Biches Hotel on the 25th December.

Loic: “It was an amazing experience”

14-year old Loic studies at Alpha College. Since years he has been with SAFIRE. “The organisation has helped me a lot in my education. I even go to cycling school twice a week. SAFIRE has given life to my passion and dreams. It was an amazing experience for Christmas activities. We learnt a lot and at the same time had fun. I liked the dance item we had,” he said.

Oliver: “I got a school bag” 

12-year old Oliver attends high school in Cite La Cure. “I loved each and every activity for Christmas. We had a wonderful time from creating decorations to the gift we received. I got a school bag,” he says.

Jonito: “Special gifts for good performance” 

11-year old Jonito is the only student who passed CPE at Baie du Tombeau ZEP School. He has received special gifts from KPMG for this Christmas. “I have participated fully in the activities. I performed a sketch at one event. KPMG congratulated me for my good academic performance,” he says.

Shelina, Leana and Dianne: Fully engaged in preparations

Leanna, (12 years old), Shelina (11) and Dianne (8), were quite happy with the Christmas activities. They participated in the sketch and dance items. They were fully engaged in rehearsals and decorating for Christmas.