The staff along with volunteers create memories at SS
STEPPING STONES, MARGAO
The month of December saw a tremendous rise in the children attending the Shelter. The month also began with new clothes being distributed to the children. Minor medical attendtion als also given to some by the staff of the Shelter and the ones requiring more attention were taken t hospitals and clinics. We had a very good month as far as health is concerned with no medical emergency. Medical attention was also given to children in the slums by the fieldworks.
On December 19 a special programme was organized in the shelter for the children on 
occasion of Goa Liberation Day, which was also a state holiday. A cultural programme gave a chance to the children to exhibit their talents and they did a great job of it. All this was combined with a few inputs
given to them, on how Goa was liberated from the Portuguese rule. Games and physical activities were held at the Shelter as well as in the slums. The children were also given sweets and goodies and enjoyed these very much. Children from the Kings School were here to interact with the children and they sang a few songs and Christmas carosl and also distributed gifts which were shared by all the children.
Visitors this month were plenty. Some were regular ones while others came for the first time and yet others from the office came to advice in an attempt to ensure that the children get the best of service. Chrys Blanchard, Maddy and Brian Buckely, P. Collins, Carolyn Wemer (UK), Bruno Ferraz (Portugal) was at the Shelter. Mavis visited us regularly. A few local visitors also provided eatables, toys, clothes and food items, which were distributed, to the children. Some generously donated decorations for Christmas. Pastor Matthew, Julia Matthew and others also visited.
Monthly Mock fire drill was carried out and the fire extinguishers were checked and 
serviced where required. We make no compromises on the safety and health of our children. Beach programme was also organised for the children. The beach programme continued with the children visiting Betalbatim beach every weekend. Some of the villagers there are now aware of our children and come a spend time with them there. The children look forward to the beach visits in anticipation.
This month we also saw members of the staff networking with the Police, the Railway officials, hospitals and the Margao Municipal Council in an effort to get more children off the streets and into the Shelter where they can be provided food and non formal education and where they also can learn about hygiene and safety.
The highlights of the month were two parties. Many children traveled all the way to 
Assagao for the Christmas party and came back tired but at the same time overjoyed. They had tremendous fun and enjoyed along with all the other children of El Shaddai. The Shelter was decorated by the staff and volunteers during Christmas and at the Shelter party the volunteers assisted in many ways. Some helped in the cooking of the 
Christmas lunch and others organized games and contests for the children. Carols were sung for which the children practiced all month. Prizes were distributed in many categories and everybody involved had a great time. There were more than 125 children besides staff and volunteers at the party. This party is going to live on in our memory for long.
As another year has drawn to a close and we find ourselves in the new one, we hope and 
expect to reach out to more children. We plan to interact with the children, from the far away slums and teach them the basics of education in the slums itself through slum schools. We would like to reach out to as many children as possible at the construction sites, beaches, markets, industrial areas and on the streets. We thank all who have assisted us in our mission in ways both big and small. We thank all of you for putting a smile on the faces of our children. God bless you all. Happy New Year, 2009.