This was the last session we would have at Henderson, before we would have our final programme at CAPT. We only had enough time for a game of dodgeball with the boys as we had to brief them on the details of the final programme.
The game went on pretty well at the start. However, things started to get out of control halfway. The boys got into a mini scuffle over something, and they just argue away with each other. Rules were broken again, and we took some time before we could get things back in order again. To us, it looked like things were falling apart when we think about it simply, but simple isn’t reality. People are generally messy creatures that cope with a multitude of stimuli or factors that prod us in numerous directions. Self-control is as much a relevant lesson for one of our boys as it is for us or even people far older than us. This was one of the most important lessons that we learnt. Progress made with this boys was not obviously observable to us all the time. It was akin to travelling up a winding mountain pass; you’re making an ascent all the time, but it’s hardly noticeable, and we’re always preoccupied with the long road ahead. We couldn’t judge moments in isolation, it was always the wider observations across, say, our whole capstone programme, which would possibly give a more accurate gauge of progress. Even that alone, is quite idealistic in itself.
Luckily for us, the numbers present that day were quite favourable, considering we had to spread the message about our final programme. We constantly repeated to them the key details for the final session, like a constant jarring gong; date, time, and pick-up place. This was the final programme, and we wanted to make it the best for them, getting them to actually make it to CAPT was the first step. Again, the strategy of empowering and making use of natural leaders proved useful. One of the older youths, which we had worked with quite a lot in the past, willingly decided to be the point man for us. He would, throughout the week, relay the message to “his boys” and get get them to be there on time.
All in all, I have to say the last session at Henderson ended, not on a high note, but a positive note. Its a kind of reassurance you get when you know you’ve developed a relationship with some people; greater mutual respect, greater mutual trust, greater mutual cooperation, and on goes the winding road of progress.
Daryl
Henderson Heroes 