Every year SensoBaby has a focus word. A word to summarise the goals, actions and impact the organisation will make that year. For 2019, our word is ‘Thrive’.
Last year we focused on ‘Connection’: how we connect with our children, connect with other local businesses and the community in general. This led to the development of an exciting partnership we called ‘Thrive’. An initiative that sees volunteers offering play opportunities to sick children in Princess Marina Hospital. We also explored how we connect to our cultures and how we can share cultural experiences with our children.
This year we are thriving!
Thrive in the Community
The Thrive Programme launched in November 2018 when 30 volunteers attended a training at The Baylor Paediatric Clinic in Gaborone. The initial orientation was the first of many trainings and ongoing support sessions that will aim to build the skills and expertise of the volunteers. The programme is a collaboration between SensoBaby and the Botswana Paediatric Oncology and Haematology project based at Princess Marina Hospital.
Children who are receiving treatment for cancers and blood disorders will benefit from regular visits from volunteers who bring playboxes packed with activities. The playboxes have been sponsored by members of the SensoBaby community who have raised funds in a variety of different ways to bring joy to sick children.
As part of this project, SensoBaby has offered ongoing training and consultation to support very young children with life changing and life limiting conditions. It is with great thanks to Peggie Anne Savage and other mothers in the community who have given this idea wings. We are looking forward to seeing how this project develops and we hope it can expand and become its own entity.
SensoBaby wants children not just to survive, but to thrive.
Thrive as a Parent
Parenting is one of the most difficult, rewarding, frustrating and enjoyable jobs you will every have. Everyone wants to get it right and in a sea of information it can be hard to navigate your own route.
SensoBaby is here to help you on that journey.
Workshops and trainings will give you the knowledge and tools to be the best parent you can be. A new consultation service will be there to provide professional support to families experiencing challenges. Friendships and contacts made through classes will support you and your family to enjoy the ride.
SensoBaby recognises the importance of the Nannies who raise and love our children. We’ll be celebrating their importance in our lives and expanding the training we offer to nannies and home helpers. Knowing your nanny is well trained can give you peace of mind.
Help your Child to Thrive
SensoBaby classes are more than just a ‘nice thing to do’ with your baby or toddler. The curriculum has been designed by professionals to support your child’s development and scaffold the skills they will need in later life.
Our classes include music, messy play, art, craft, imaginative play, outdoor play and social interaction. We follow the holistic ‘Rainbow Play’ approach developed by two of our directors and we are excited to reveal more about this in 2019.
This term we are focusing on ‘schemas’. Patterns of behaviour that reflect pathways for learning in the brain. Each class will centre around a common schema and provide activities and ideas on how to recognise and support this stage of development. Look out for more information on this topic as we’ll be posting regularly to keep you informed about child development.
We know that play is important for children. When you begin to understand the processes of play, you can help your child to thrive.
We look forward to seeing our members return in 2019 and welcome new members into the community. We can’t wait to share this year with you and see what adventures it brings!