The history of Oasis Centres can accessed in Oasis Library – the Early Days while the current, 2024, story is available in Oasis, Tadjoura and Oasis, Balbala.

This blog is about the recent developments in Oasis Tadjoura.

The Oasis Centre in Tadjourah was closed for a few months over the summer but it has been open and welcoming the kids back since September.

Oasis has been blooming with children, laughter, and fun.

What has happened so far

Building the terrace and sandpit

Plans had been made last spring to build a terrace with a roof and a sandpit in the courtyard of the building. The construction has been successful and the area has been in use for some time. The patio with the roof assists in cooling the temperature in  the adjacent rooms. That makes it much more comfortable so it is easier for the children to relax and read or play.

The sandpit also turned out to be a big hit, especially with the younger children.

Large donation

In June 2024, Oasis received a large donation of toys, dress-up clothes and books from a French family in Djibouti City. This included a children’s kitchen with play food, crockery, pots and pans etc. This proved to be endless fun, especially for our younger girls. The whole Oasis is occasionally transformed into a play restaurant with a menu that knows no bounds.

Cleaning campaign

There was recently a cleaning campaign in the neighbourhood by children who are often to be found in the library. A lot of plastic and garbage was collected. This was also very much appreciated by the neighbours. The atmosphere was relaxed and very cheerful, and at the end there was syrup and cookies as a reward.

What’s next?

Children’s garden

Working in partnership with the Garden Project, the team has decided to create a “mini garden” with the children over the next few months to encourage them in their knowledge of plants and gardening. It is intended that the children will learn how to cultivate plants, vegetables especially, as this could be the first step in improving their diet. We would like to develop this plan so the children learn how to grow fresh vegetables and fruit for themselves and their family.

Big celebration

Oasis’ 20th anniversary celebration has been planned for some time and has been continually postponed. Now the new date is spring 2025. The hope is that this can really take place and be a blessing for the children, employees and neighbours.

Children’s Club

Plans are being made to start a Kids’ Club in New Year 2025, which will take place once a week. The plan is to have a one-hour programme with children aged 6-12 years. The programme includes handicrafts, listening to stories, playing and having a snack together. The Kids Club is intended to give the children an opportunity to discover their creative side and to strengthen the sense of community, as well as to give them space to ask questions and be curious. The plan is to start with a maximum of 10 children and make ongoing evaluations.

Be on a look out for updates on these new plans and developments going forwards!