The Barnet Group Community Chest fund supported an application from Nova Vida Angola £600 to hold a celebration event in partnership with @Center of Excellence CIC for International Childrens Day on Grahame Park Estate on 30th May. The event saw over 55 children with parents and carers attend the free event which supplied refreshments and lunch and had lots of fun activities including:
- Slime-making workshop
- Arts and painting corner
- Toy play area
- PlayStation gaming corner
- Outdoor games and activities
- Water-gun games, particularly popular due to the warm weather
- Face painting
- Henna art
- Music, singing and dancing throughout the day
Tatiana Jose said “The event provided a free, safe, and welcoming space where families could come together during the half-term holiday, participate in activities, enjoy a hot meal, and build connections with others in the local area. One of the most noticeable benefits was the opportunity for community members to socialise and strengthen relationships. Throughout the day, families spent time talking, laughing, and participating in activities together. Some attendees already knew one another, while others formed new friendships through shared experiences at the event. Many parents and carers expressed their appreciation for having access to a free community event during a period when entertaining children can be both challenging and expensive. Several attendees commented on how difficult and tiring the half-term break had been and welcomed the opportunity to bring their children somewhere they could be active, creative, and entertained. by bringing together families from different backgrounds in a relaxed and inclusive environment. Thank you to the Community Chest Fund sponsors for making this event possible”.