The Oasis centre in Balbala on the outskirts of Djibouti city opened on Saturday, 28th September ready and excited to greet the neighbours again. So far the opening has gone well with many children coming in the afternoons and evenings.
Oasis is open four half days a week for the children. The centre is so popular they have separate days for boys and girls and children attend in shifts so as many as possible can be included. The first 15 minutes of each session is reserved for reading practice. Then 30 minutes is used for games, drawing and other activities in which the kids can use the different resources available such as memory games, puzzles and bingo. Then a second shift takes over.
Most of the kids are aged 5 to 11. Most attend school and come after their classes. They enjoy the games and the resources help supplement what they are already learning at school. A few do not attend school so this is their only chance to learn some skills and begin their educational journey. A small number are disabled but are still warmly welcomed. The centre has become a safe space for the kids to come, learn, and enjoy themselves.
Other developments are taking place. Two evenings a week have been opened for adults. They are invited to use the reading room or attend English communication classes. The centre has resources in French, English, and Somali.
The staff are kept so busy a young local woman has been hired to help. She lives nearby and helps with the children during the afternoons.
With such a good start to the year the centre team are excited to see how things will develop further. The community continues to welcome the centre as a place of fun and safety so Oasis lives up to its name as it builds relationships with the neighbours and the wider community.
Kerith Trust 
Good to hear this news. I hope the centre continues to provide quality support to these children and adults.
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