This morning was the informal party for all the kids that have finished school and will be leaving the home next month (school years here run January to December). They had streamers running from the activity hall to the pool, and what one of the little boys called a jumping house (bouncy castle), as well as ice cream, candy floss, cool drink and suckers (lollipops). All the kids were so hyped up on sugar, it was great!
Children either have to leave the home when they turn 18, or when they finish school (depending which comes last). When a child turns 18, they can choose to leave the home even if they haven't finished school but more often than not they stay, there is a boy here who is 20 (I think he's the oldest, he's only 4 days younger than me). When they leave, there's an informal party like we had today and a formal one where their volunteers are invited (if they have one) and they choose a child-care worker or social worker that lights a candle with them, they're also given a crate of things they might need that includes a duvet, pillow, iron and ironing board, cutlery, plates, cups and a kettle. At this ceremony there is also a gold plaque that goes on one of the bricks on the activity hall's wall. It has the child's name, the year they arrived at the home, and the year they left. If a child decides to go to university, the home has a system that helps them with funds and how to get accommodation. This year, one of the children has won an international competition that got her a scholarship to a Drama Conservatory in New York, so there's been a lot of fuss over her!
And now, I'm off to make some musical instruments with the little ones, plastic bottles filled with rice and what-not! I'll try and post pictures :D
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