Programs
AfterSchool Program & SummerCamp
The AfterSchool program is the most critical part of the work of Rays of Hope. Operating from January to October, this program will provide 60 youth with rich programs that empower them to succeed. Rays of Hope will offer two 4 hour SummerCamps per day to a total of 80 youth.
The primary objective of the SummerCamp is to provide a safe and healthy alternative to children who would otherwise resort to high risk behaviors. The camps will operate for 7 weeks in November and December.
The AfterSchool program and Summer Camp include the following activities:
Tutoring:
- To provide supplementary education to 60 children through homework and tutoring for 45 minutes per day.
- To instill dreams by exposing participants to 12 higher learning institutions through educational visits every term (3 times a year). (AfterSchool)
- To provide relevant information on career choices through career specified books and hosting professional speakers quarterly.
- To develop and maintain a small resource and academic library for all participants.
- To offer creative learning activities through art, music, drama and speeches every day. (SummerCamp)
Spiritual Nurturing:
- To lead Bible studies once a week and daily devotions that will help participants to have a personal relationship with Christ, grow in their faith and have firm Christian values.
- To organize and fully participate in Christian youth gatherings in different churches and schools once every two months, so as to deepen their faith and promote fellowship.
HIV/Aids Awareness:
- To educate youth of the dangers and realities of HIV/AIDS during bi-weekly classes.
- To encourage youth to participate in voluntary quarterly HIV/AIDS testing and counseling that will be provided by medical personnel
- To challenge youth to abstain from sex and other risky behaviors through monthly biblical counseling.
Modeling and Mentoring:
- To cultivate curiosity of youth and to set goals high in life by hosting different motivational speakers to speak on assigned topics every month as relevant to the participants. (AfterSchool)
- To demonstrate a high quality standard of life to children through daily interaction with the role models who have excelled in life and are living by the defined code of conduct in the program.
- To provide a safe environment through physical protection, words of hope and encouragement
CampLeader Program
The CampLeader Program will coincide with the AfterSchool and SummerCamp programs, providing year-round employment and training to 5 youth ages 15-25. This program will provide an opportunity for job training, leadership development, career guidance and mentoring to 5 youths who will be known as camp leaders.
- To provide interactive training to 5 camp leaders and to provide opportunities for each of them to organize and lead programs every day.
- To conduct classes in life and leadership skills with CampLeaders once a week for half an hour.
- To develop relationships between staff and CampLeaders that encourage discipleship and mentoring.
- As a result of CampLeader participation, CampLeaders will have an increased knowledge of HIV/AIDS and will have access to career guidance.