Stepping Stones Shelter now running smoothly with valuable inputs from Johnny and new staff being added
The month of March brought a great increase in the number of children attending. We were able to reach out and assist nearly 1430 children. We believe this has come about because of fieldwork that has picked up during this month with the addition of Amit as the new fieldworker operating out of Stepping Stones. Johnny too has assisted tremendously visiting us and directing us to run the Shelter more efficiently. He was the one who was instrumental in setting up Stepping Stones and we are glad we can draw from his vast knowledge and experience.
This month we were visited by plenty of visitors. Many blessed us with donations of cash, provision, fruit and sweets and chocolates. Many just spent time with children which in turn assisted the staff. Some taught new songs and others organised games. Many of these visitors accompanied the children on the beach outings and helped the staff mind them especially in the water. A manager of one of the five star hotel in the area came and discussed the possibility of providing lunch for the children. We say a big thankyou to all who have graced us in one way or the other.
Staff this month has been on their toes. Myllian has taken care of non formal education this month. Amit and Narayan have visited Government Hospitals, rail stations, markets, interstate bus terminus, slums and beach areas as part of their fieldwork. Many more children have come to the Shelter due to their efforts. They are always on call to assist any child at risk. Christopher our In-Charge has taken care of administration and has also made a few trips to the Head Office to iron out difficulties and get the Shelter running smoothly. He also attended a conference at the YMCA. Akkamma took care of the cooking and cleaning of Stepping Stones.
The highlight of the month was the distribution of Samaritan Purse gift boxes. The children were so happy to receive such wonderful goodies from far off lands. James came and shared a message on what these gifts were all about and who sent them and why. He explained that children in other countries were sharing the love of Christ with their less fortunate counterparts in developing countries. The children carried their gifts home with pride because someone they don’t even know loves them with the love of God. Another activity that has caught the fantasy of children is beach outing. All are eager to go there and play in the sand and bathe in the cool water. This month we also began to take children to parks on a weekly basis. They are accompanied by staff and given refreshment. Children who began attending lately were given deworming tablets.
This month has seen a great change for the better at the Shelter. We hope the momentum picks up and we are able to reach many more children who need our assistance. The coming vacation we hope to spread our area of operations around Margao city and its neighbourhood. We want to give childhood back to the children who are the rightful owners of the same.