You Bet! But You Got to Be Here to Feel It
It is Sunday and here you feel like being in a park. Lots of children play and laugh here and there; the football field is busy and children ride their bikes like crazy. This time, children talk about the wonders of a weekend at their village.
What do you do on weekends?
"On weekends? ... Yeah! I really have a good time. I take the chance to climb up my favourite tree and play in the courtyards as much as I want. I feel free [...] I like playing marbles with my friends from the village... I like playing football, too, and sometimes, especially in the afternoon, I watch TV... I really enjoy my weekends."
Heider (eight)
"Yes, weekends at the village are wonderful [...] because during the week, we don't have much time to play or relax. Our homework, our chores at home... all that keeps us busy. But on the weekend, we get up late; we eat almost whatever we want. In my house, everyone helps to clean the entire house. Our older sisters and brothers help in the kitchen and the small ones sweep or mop the floor. Then we leave and, depending on our plans, go to watch the movies, have a picnic, or simply enjoy playing at the village, which I like most. Sure! Our weekends are quite different from the other days of the week."
Mauricio (ten)
What are the activities children most enjoy doing at the village?
"We all like playing with our small animals. I have a collection of snails, which I love very much. At weekends I spend hours and hours playing with them. My little sister and I like look for snails in the bushes behind the village. Sometimes we spend time with our dog. My sister and my dog are my best friends, including my snails, which I love a lot."
Alejandro (seven)
"On weekends, many children like to help tidying up the gardens of the village. We pick up the dry leaves and the children take the chance to play. I like this activity not only for its results, which are always great, but because different families mingle. The weekend is particularly great for us, the youths of the village. We can go dancing with our friends or to the movies, and we spend a great time meeting new people."
Rocio (fifteen)
On weekends, the village is simply different. The laughter of children seems to be multiplied without effort and their faces remain full of contagious smiles. The football field and its surroundings are always packed with children and teenagers. They are kicking the ball or rolling on the grass. Others like going past, boasting their bikes or skates. Some enjoy jumping the rope or playing ball at the two basketball fields. No doubt: Weekends are wonderful at SOS Children's Village Bogotá.