Every year, the Yapacani site undertakes “Navilandia” – a multi-day Christmas event for sponsored and non-sponsored children. Noemi, a leader in our Yapacani site, says “Christmas is a time where families gather to spend time together.”
“It is the holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a very important day for Christians because God sent Jesus, his only son, to be born, live, and die for each of us,” Noemi says.
“We at Yapacani site try to make every Christmas something very special for our children,” She says. “For us, the most important thing is to give them a wonderful moment, where we teach them that in addition to being a time of celebration and gifts, Christmas is also a time to perform good deeds, share love and peace, and celebrate family unity.”
Navilandia is no simple undertaking. The site staff, local priest Fr. Irineo, and Sr. Nardisel, started training 50 parent and teen “animators” starting in November. They prepared catechism lessons and skits about the birth of the child Jesus.
“With their dedication, joy and enthusiasm,” Noemi says, “they have made learning and fun possible for the little ones.” When it comes to creating unforgettable moments, there’s nothing like seeing the joy on children’s faces. Their happiness is the greatest gift of all.
“Navilandia 2023” launched on December 14 at two local parishes. Throughout the next few, magical days, 1,900 children (852 sponsored) did catechism activities, drawing and painting workshops, games and songs.
“Thanks to the financial support of Chalice donors, we managed to give all participating children a long-awaited gift and a delicious snack.”
Elders also received a gift, “and their joy was even greater than that of the children.”
“This Christmas we wanted to give a special gift to the entire Yapacani community,” Noemi says. “We set up the Christmas nativity scene with lights at the “María Auxiliadora” Church. Each day covered different topics: the importance of charity, the Holy Family, and the nativity.
“It was a success,” Noemi says. “The activities were well organized, and the topics were well worked on by the animators and the Chalice team.
To close, the staff gave a gift hamper to sponsored and non-sponsored children alike. Each received a water bottle, lemonade, and cinnamon rolls.
“The children eagerly awaited the gift sent by the Child Jesus and showed their joy and enthusiasm,” she says. “Upon receiving the gifts, the children expressed their gratitude to Chalice with a Thank You.”
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