Breaking the Cycle in Goa: How El Shaddai Educates Children and Empowers Families
Deep within the vibrant maze of Vasco, Goa, a different rhythm emerges. As you navigate the narrow streets, once dominated by the honking of motorbikes and the playful shouts of children, a new melody takes centre stage. It’s the sound of focused recitation, emanating from El Shaddai’s Ashraya Community Centre. Here, underprivileged children are receiving informal education, their voices echoing a powerful testament to El Shaddai’s mission: to shatter the cycle of poverty through the transformative power of education.
The children at Ashraya primarily come from migrant families who struggle to make ends meet. Cramped rented houses become their classrooms, while their parents, often daily labourers, grapple with the harsh realities of financial constraints. Quality education, a key to breaking free from this cycle, becomes a distant dream. This is where El Shaddai steps in, offering a beacon of hope amidst the challenges.
Led by inspiring individuals like Sunil, a former beneficiary whose life was transformed by El Shaddai, the Ashraya Community Centre goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. It fosters a sense of community, attracting parents who see the value in leveraging the resources and opportunities El Shaddai provides. The centre, in collaboration with the NGO’s Shantiniketan International School, offers a structured nursery and kindergarten program, catering to the needs of younger children. It doesn’t stop there – vocational classes for women, like sewing, empower mothers and equip them with skills for financial independence. On a recent visit, the sight of neighbourhood ladies engrossed in stitching clothes, their children attending classes nearby, painted a beautiful picture of holistic development.
The centre caters to a staggering 108 children with a dedicated team of five staff members. They juggle the responsibilities of non-formal education, morning school classes, and afternoon tuitions, ensuring these children receive comprehensive support. El Shaddai recognizes the importance of extracurricular activities too, providing resources to nurture talents and encourage well-rounded development.
However, the road to breaking the cycle of poverty isn’t without its hurdles. Many parents, burdened by financial constraints, struggle to see the immediate value of formal education. Sunil and his team, armed with the trust they’ve built within the community over the years, patiently work towards convincing them, highlighting the long-term benefits that education unlocks. Additionally, for many migrant families, the lack of official documents adds another layer of complexity. El Shaddai steps in once again, assisting with Aadhaar enrolment for the children, bridging the gap between families and official bodies and schools. Their relentless efforts are reflected in the ever-increasing number of families embracing education for their children.
Sunil’s face lights up as he shares a story that exemplifies the transformative power of El Shaddai’s work. A single mother, the sole breadwinner for a family of five with a sick father, faced an impossible situation – affording education for her children seemed like a distant dream. The centre intervened, understanding the family’s plight. Sunil, recognizing the potential in three of the children, recommended their admission to El Shaddai’s homes, ensuring they received quality formal education. Today, those children stand tall – educated, employed, and empowered. Their success story is a testament to El Shaddai’s impact, a ripple effect that allowed the entire family to move from a cramped rented space to a home they could call their own. Sunil’s voice resonates with quiet pride as he concludes, “None of this would have been possible without El Shaddai.”
These stories, along with countless others, paint a clear picture of El Shaddai’s dedication to education and women’s empowerment, tackling poverty at its root. However, a shadow of concern looms on the horizon. Every centre, home, and shelter operated by El Shaddai displays a “Needs List” – a stark reminder of the essential items currently lacking for the children. The recent slowdown in global donations threatens to disrupt their crucial work.
As responsible citizens of the world, we have a vital role to play. It’s not just about ensuring these children have food and clothes – it’s about gifting them their childhood, a time filled with learning, exploration, and the potential to dream big. By donating to El Shaddai, you become a partner in their mission. Visit childrescue.net/donate/ or email [email protected] to contribute and help rewrite the narrative for underprivileged children in Goa. Together, let’s empower them to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.
