In April and May, the hottest months in the Philippines, schools are closed. This also applies to the Papaya School. However, the Papaya students do not go on holidays, have no air conditioning and usually no fan at home, and there is no money for sports clubs or other activities. Moreover, the space in their homes is very limited so they rely on playing in the streets. That too can be fun, but many pupils prefer to just go to school for that reason.
Therefore, during the month of May, various activities are organised every year, combining learning and play. Sports, games, creative activities and the annual school camp days. The children receive a healthy hot meal during these weeks as at other times when they are at school. And of course, to get to school, they are picked up in their residential area and later brought home again.
This year, volunteer/trainee Max was present at the school and since Max can play table tennis immensely well, the lovers of this sport had a great time. Max taught them new techniques and the children were hugely excited to keep learning.
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