The el shaddai charitable trust presentation by Anita Edgar
In 1996 while Anita was on holiday in the Goa with her daughter she spotted young children living on the streets behind her hotel. Many were orphans and Anita found out that no one was helping them. They are open to abuse, trafficking and forced labour in factories. On her return to England Anita, with Matthew Kurian, had a vision to set up a street child rescue charity - El Shaddai. This was set up in 1997. The children had no birth certificates, no homes and no access to medical services. Young girls, only 9-10 years old were forced into arranged marriages. They often had to walk 3 miles to get water, they had no toys, no education and would hunt for food in the rubbish tips. Their only hope of getting out of poverty is to give them access to education.
The Charity is now operating outreach projects in Nagpur, Karnataka and Kerala, working with orphans, street children and children at risk. It provides shelter, food, clothing and education to children in the under-privileged section of Indian Society. It also runs residential homes, day care and night shelters, community centres and cottages for seniors attending college, technical institution and university.
There is also a children's hospice in Goa for terminally ill children with cancer, aids/HIV. They also provide free food and clothing distribution, community health work and medical camps in the slums. Bore wells provide fresh water in remote villages. Sheep and goats are kept and thie milk is used.
Anita concluded her presentation by informing members how they can help the charity. It costs £1 a day to have a child in their care. Help can be provided through a donation or a regular direct debit or through sponsorship. .
The Charity is now operating outreach projects in Nagpur, Karnataka and Kerala, working with orphans, street children and children at risk. It provides shelter, food, clothing and education to children in the under-privileged section of Indian Society. It also runs residential homes, day care and night shelters, community centres and cottages for seniors attending college, technical institution and university.
There is also a children's hospice in Goa for terminally ill children with cancer, aids/HIV. They also provide free food and clothing distribution, community health work and medical camps in the slums. Bore wells provide fresh water in remote villages. Sheep and goats are kept and thie milk is used.
Anita concluded her presentation by informing members how they can help the charity. It costs £1 a day to have a child in their care. Help can be provided through a donation or a regular direct debit or through sponsorship. .
Anita brought a selection of items made at the centres for members to see and purchase.
Competition -Your Oldest toy
First Prize A Jack in the Box - Alisa Dixon
Second Prize - A Teddy bear - Chris Crisford
Third prize - A Doll - Barbara Poole
First Prize A Jack in the Box - Alisa Dixon
Second Prize - A Teddy bear - Chris Crisford
Third prize - A Doll - Barbara Poole