The second term is over and most schools are breaking off on March 31, ahead of the Easter holidays, starting with Good Friday on April 2 and Easter Sunday on April 4. It is a holiday of mixed fortunes because right after the Easter holiday, Rwanda will start the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi commemoration week, on April 7, marking 27 years after the genocide in which over 1 million people were killed. While the first week of the holiday will be for merry making, it should be noted that the new coronavirus still lingers around, so even the fun activities will be limited. With no concerts, no parties or huge gatherings, it is not your usual fun-filled holiday because even family visits are limited. However, there is still a lot you can do to make the most of the two weeks, before kids return to school on April 15, after the commemoration period. Below are a few things you can think of doing to keep the kids busy and occupied. Outdoor activities It is important to ensure that children do as many outdoor activities as possible at home, whether it is tending to the kitchen garden, cleaning the compound, trimming and pruning plants and many more. This is important to keep them physically active and to trigger their other passions and to bond with nature. Do not let them slouch on the couch to binge on their favourite TV show or cartoons. Sports With sports activities now permitted, be sure to engage the kids in different sports activities as long as they are not public. Go on long walks, hike a hill, jog, play some mini-foot at home, skip a rope, etc, to ensure that they stay in shape. This is also important for their physical and mental wellbeing. Even the little ones can walk around the neighbourhood with supervision. It is possible for children to become inactive yet they were used to being active at school. Sports activities are important for physical fitness and fighting obesity. Informal learning While holidays are for relaxing and rewinding from a gruelling school term, there are many other things children can learn during holidays, without necessarily feeling like they are in class. For example, the commemoration week is an important period to teach them about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The commemoration events will trigger their curiosity to ask questions, use the opportunity to teach them the history of their country. Arts and crafts Holidays are important for children to discover and concentrate on their other skills. If they love art or being crafty, give them the means to do so. If it is painting, get them the materials. This can greatly whip their creativity and hidden skills. Managing TV and computer time As earlier mentioned, parents or guardians need to manage television and computer time. While these are important, limiting them is key as they are likely to distract them and render them inactive or redundant. Limit how long they spend on gadgets. Baking and cooking: There is no better time to explore cooking and baking skills than holidays. You will be surprised how much they will love it. To make things more exciting, make it a mini bake-off and give them the freedom to come up with their own recipes. They need to know the process of preparing the meals they eat. Fun reading Since they are mostly buried in school work, holidays are important for children to read their favourite comic books, novels or magazines. This is important as it hones their reading skills and culture in a fun way. It improves their comprehension and attitude to learning. House chores Encourage the kids to clean their bedrooms, lay their beds, wash utensils and mop the floor. This does not only keep them active but it creates a sense of responsibility in them. Put in incentives for a job well done. Go for a day out: Since hotels and public places are open, one day out for a treat will be highly welcome in these Covid-19 times. Eat out, let them run around and spoil them if you have the means. It’s been a tough one year. Everybody wants to let the guards down a bit and enjoy a day out in the sun. They will love it. Make sure you adhere to Covid-19 restrictions. Road trips A road trip out of the city or out of wherever you live can be fun for them. It doesn’t have to be very far but a trip to Muhazi - in the Northern province, a historical site, or simply to a place away from home can do the magic. A visit to a Genocide memorial site would be highly recommended, that is if they are open to visitors. Challenges Create some challenges at home and award the ones who will win. It can be an obstacle challenge, a scrabble game, chess or a mental challenge to crack a riddle or puzzle, a singing competition, etc. This will keep them active.
