Recreational and social programmes build self confidence, communication and life skills.

Rural children frequently lack the necessary personal and social skills to break out of the vicious cycle of poverty. Help the Rural Child supports programmes that help young people build their ability to take charge of their own lives.

We believe that by encouraging children to participate in group activities, to co-operate and to develop their leadership abilities, their social and personal skills improve and prepare them for adult life. We encourage a range of activities from dancing and play-acting to games and community projects.

Children want to have fun, they want to be given the opportunity to express themselves and they want to socialize, just like all growing children the world over. Unfortunately, for rural children living in very poor and often harsh conditions, listening to music, dancing and socialising with friends is virtually impossible because of the lack of facilities, transport and organisation.

We are very clear about the need to provide children at our centres with the opportunity to socialise in safe and organised ways that demonstrate that alcohol and drugs are not necessary in order to have fun with friends.