Buddy time at El Shaddai

If you are part of a big group, like World Race or Passport, coming to El Shaddai chances are you will be buddied up with one or two of the children at El Shaddai whilst you are here.

Being a ‘buddy’ gives you the opportunity to build a closer relationship with a few of the children and also allows for them to have consistency. They have the same person with them on a daily basis helping them with their homework, reading and math’s skills. We are here to be a friend, to help them will their school work and to play with them. 

This month ‘Buddy Time’ was scheduled between 3pm – 5pm. Walking up to where the children are at 3pm, everyone starts asking: 

‘Who is your bud? Who is your bud?’

They want to know who your buddy is, who you will be hanging out with. 

El Shaddai has a wonderful library with a range of books for the children to choose from. They are many places to sit and read – on rocks, in the kitchen, on benches, under a tree. This month our buddies and racers have really enjoyed reading with each other.

During scheduled buddy time school work and reading are the priority but the friendships formed between buddies meant that many would hang out with each other on off days – going on hikes or just playing on the monkey bars!

Author: Beth Borrett
Photo Credit: Aly Badinger