The last few weeks of term have been full in the best way. From our monthly Youth Day and hosting our Winter Festival to receiving generous donations for our children, it was a great way to wrap up the term. Here’s a look at some of the highlights before we headed into the winter break.
Our Youth Day included many new activities that made the day extra special. We began the morning with a calming yoga and chanting session, allowing everyone to slow down, connect with themselves, and prepare for the day ahead. It created the perfect atmosphere for our workshop facilitated by the Child-Centred Governance Academy.
During the session, our children explored the importance of their rights through the three pillars of children’s rights: Provision, Protection, and Participation. Rather than simply learning the definitions, they reflected on what each of these principles mean in their own lives. They shared what it means to feel protected, what they need to thrive, and why it’s important for their voices to be heard. It was wonderful to see them engage so thoughtfully with these ideas.
After a productive morning, everyone gathered for lunch, followed by a storytelling session that encouraged important conversations about safe, respectful relationships and the responsibilities adults have in protecting children. The afternoon brought a burst of colour as we partnered with SolTees Apparel for a tie-dye workshop. Every child embraced the chance to get creative, each adding their own twist to the designs. No two shirts were the same, and it was great to see everyone’s creativity come to life.
Spirals weren’t only part of Youth Day, they also featured in our Winter Festival. While the day began with singing together in a circle, the main event was the lantern spiral walk. Carrying lanterns glowing with candlelight, the children quietly made their way through the spiral in a peaceful tradition observed during the darkest days of winter. The lantern walk symbolises patience, hope, and the journey towards finding our own inner light. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a warm bowl of soup before ending the day with storytelling.
To finish off the term, we received a generous donation of towels and blankets for all of our children from BAPS Charities, along with hygiene packs from Rylands Homecraft. These donations will help keep everyone warm, comfortable, and well-equipped over the colder months, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.
As we head into the holiday break, we’d like to say a big thank you to our children, families, volunteers, partners, and supporters for making this term so special. We look forward to seeing everyone again next term.
