This Thursday, a local school just outside OSC showed up at the pool for swimming lessons. We couldn't just randomly get in the pool and teach kids we didnt even know their name. So we assembled in Mr. Simms's room for a while to get to know them. We introduced ourselves and got to know know them a little. We asked them to write down their names on a piece of paper so we could remember each of their names.
After that we divided the group of kids into two groups; the ones who have some background in swimming and have previously been to OSC from last years lot. And the other group consisted of the kids who have no idea how to swim. Because we divided the groups into two, we were able to organize what we do. Teru, Yariq, and I were in charge of the kids who couldnt swim with Mr.Stanley giving us instructions on how to get a start.
In some cases, there were kids who have never got in a pool before and this made some of them scared to get in. Seeing the fear of each kid gettting in the pool for the first time, told us that it was going to be a lot of work. And we were right about it.
As of for the programe, it consists of the first half hour or so, us giving them swimming lessons. Then the remaining time we give them freetime. During this time we play water polo as a whole so kids don't end up on their own. This enables us to communicate and interact with the kids better than when were are teaching them. Out of the group there are some prefer to keep working on their swimming skills although it's free time and they are free to do so because it makes it better for us and them.
Untill now, we are able to see visible progress of the kids as they learn new skills every Thursday. About half the porportion of the kids who couldnt swim previously, are now at least swimming 5 meters. This may not seem as much of a distance but for a kid who was afraid of getting in the water at first, it is a significant progress.
