The children of El Shaddai enthralled a large audience in Calangute Goa, after scintillating preformances in Bombay and Pune under the guidance of Italian volunteers from the “Laboratory of Smiles” project (Theatre Percasso). Watch the video of the Goa leg.

My name is Ashish* and I was born in Mumbai where my father worked as a photographer. Most of the time he could not find work and my mother worked as a maid in other homes to make ends meet. It was nearly impossible as we were a joint family living in the slums. I also had another brother who was 3 years younger to me. Our circumstances were desperate but even then my father sent me to school which I loved. (more…)

The month of December is always a month of great expectations. This month signals parties, excursions and good cheer. The month began though with a blood donation camp organised by the Youth Wing of El Shaddai. Almost all the staff of the Trust donated blood at the office premises where doctors from the blood bank assisted. (more…)

The boys were ready for December long before it arrived. They anticipated a lot of activities and events and they were not disappointed. Holidays only added to the merriment of the season. We were in Christmas mode all this month and it was a joyous month enjoyed by all. The Home was beautifully decorated with lights and Christmas décor. A star and Nativity crib completed the site.

The month began with Krishna being treated for his back pain. (more…)

The noise and dust of November carried itself into December as the repair and maintenance work of the Shelter continued. Workmen were part and parcel of the Shelter all this month and as the repairs are extensive we believe it will spill over into the next year. In spite of all the commotion and the noise we were able to attend to more than one thousand four hundred children. The children are enjoying the time as right before their very eyes very nice things are being produced especially by the carpenters. Non formal education has been carried our on a daily basis and all the staff has chipped in and done their part. (more…)

The Shanti Niketan School and its students experienced a busy month of December. Right from the very beginning there were different activities, some of which took the children to different venues for widely applauded performances. There were also wide maintenance and repair work carried out at the administrative block of the school.

The students went visiting two libraries; one in Assagao and the other in Mapusa as part of their ‘Reading Week’ (more…)

The month of December has flashed by with so many activities and celebrations that the boys are somewhat sad the year is drawing to a close. This month has been a very busy one for all. The first half of the month saw the children involved in school activities and the latter half was all about Christmas. Visitors were aplenty and some new staff too have joined the Home. overall the month was exciting. (more…)

December is always a month when there is too much to do and too little time. It was no different this year either. There were loads of activities and there never seems to be enough time to do it all. The first half of the month was spent in making cards for sponsors, well wishers and friends. Later came school activities. The beach outings and church activities continued with children taking active part. Then all of a sudden Christmas was here. December as a very busy month has lived up to its reputation. (more…)

The month of December has been a roller coaster one for the staff and children of Little Acorns. We have had plenty of visitors, many kind donations, friends who have come from afar and near, people who have offered their services, great results from the schools and most of all many more new children who have come to the Shelter for the basic necessities of life. Nearly 100 children attended everyday in spite of the holidays. An added reason for celebrations was the very good result our 47 children brought back from school. From the 18th till the end of the month it has been one long, joyful and memorable Christmas season. (more…)

Visitors were plenty this month of December. Sponsors of children came in to see their ‘Child’ and there was so much news to share with one another. The beach outings were enjoyed by one and all and the other excursions too. Many of our children got new sponsors during the beach outings. The month of December began with a buzz and the children just knew it would be exceptional and so it was. This entire month the children were busy and at the same time enjoying themselves. The party season had truly begun for them. At the top of the month Ashok celebrated the birthday of his daughter Arya at the Home. (more…)