Quote
We've now got 43 children into school, they're loving it and crossed fingers some big news in the next day or two....
hey that's brilliant.
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Children Walking Tall : Charity News
Started by Poiple Shadow, May 14 2006 10:20 PM
204 replies to this topic
#21
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Posted 28 July 2006 - 06:23 AM
hey that's brilliant.
just is.
#22
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Posted 28 July 2006 - 01:24 PM
That's great PS - don't forget to let us know the rest of the good news!!
'Their people will judge them on what they can build and not what they destroy.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent,
know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are
willing to unclench your fist." ~ Barack Obama.
Zimbabwe News!
City of Kings! Photos.
Our Shame.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent,
know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are
willing to unclench your fist." ~ Barack Obama.
Zimbabwe News!
City of Kings! Photos.
Our Shame.
#23
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- Location:Poland
- Interests:Being the best friend of my five year old, China, china, China, travel, food, observing humans, enjoying nature, living life.........
Posted 28 July 2006 - 02:12 PM
Very impressive.... waiting for more news.......
Pic page 1, Pic page 2
Lessons on life from Noah' Ark - (a) Dont miss the boat (b) Remember that we are all on the same boat © Plan ahead, it wasnt raining when Noah built the boat (d) Stay fit! When you are 600+ years old, someone BIG may ask your to build something BIG (e) Dont listen to critics, Just get on with the job at hand (f) Build your future on high ground (g) For safety's sake, travel in pairs (h) Ark was built by amateurs and Titanic by professionals (i) It doesnt matter how bad the storm is, as long as God is with you
Lessons on life from Noah' Ark - (a) Dont miss the boat (b) Remember that we are all on the same boat © Plan ahead, it wasnt raining when Noah built the boat (d) Stay fit! When you are 600+ years old, someone BIG may ask your to build something BIG (e) Dont listen to critics, Just get on with the job at hand (f) Build your future on high ground (g) For safety's sake, travel in pairs (h) Ark was built by amateurs and Titanic by professionals (i) It doesnt matter how bad the storm is, as long as God is with you
#24
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Posted 28 July 2006 - 09:54 PM
Hi guys... Glad you liked the updates... Unfortunately I had hoped to get the good news today, but as with many things in India, nothing ever goes to plan! - Hopefully I'll know by the middle of next week.... - But I am currently writing the newsletter so I'll 'nab a bit and put it in here to keep you going until the 'good news' (fingers crossed!)
Little bit from the newsletter (not finished just incase there's some typos...
"The new school term started in June and we were adamant that we would get at least a handful of children into a local school, we thought it would be a relatively easy job, but this wasn’t the case. We started by visiting the local school with about 20 children, they were not very interested in help, firstly they said all the children required birth certificates (which they don’t), then they said there were no spaces, not enough teachers, the excuses went on. Thankfully our persistence paid off and we managed to get five children into school, and then another couple, then 6 more, and then some in another school. In the end after a lot of running around we managed to get 43 children into school. A huge thank you goes to Aloysuis for his hard work and Kirsty and the other volunteers that helped. Education is actually free in Goa but the last month has shown why not many children go to school as we had to buy uniforms, books, bags, shoes, equiment, tiffin tins etc for all the children. The cost definitely adds up. Some of the families have 9 children and it would be impossible for them to have them all educated and a struggle just to have one… We will continue on our drive to promote education and hope that we give more children the chance of an education. The best part is, the children love it and are so proud of their uniforms. Some of the children walk past the Mango House in the morning on the way to school and shout out at the top of their voices Hello Robert, Hello Shermina, Hello Sir (Aloysuis), Hello Didi (Sangetta) – It’s lovely to hear them.
- But I am currently writing the newsletter so I'll 'nab a bit and put it in here to keep you going until the 'good news' (fingers crossed!)Little bit from the newsletter (not finished just incase there's some typos...
"The new school term started in June and we were adamant that we would get at least a handful of children into a local school, we thought it would be a relatively easy job, but this wasn’t the case. We started by visiting the local school with about 20 children, they were not very interested in help, firstly they said all the children required birth certificates (which they don’t), then they said there were no spaces, not enough teachers, the excuses went on. Thankfully our persistence paid off and we managed to get five children into school, and then another couple, then 6 more, and then some in another school. In the end after a lot of running around we managed to get 43 children into school. A huge thank you goes to Aloysuis for his hard work and Kirsty and the other volunteers that helped. Education is actually free in Goa but the last month has shown why not many children go to school as we had to buy uniforms, books, bags, shoes, equiment, tiffin tins etc for all the children. The cost definitely adds up. Some of the families have 9 children and it would be impossible for them to have them all educated and a struggle just to have one… We will continue on our drive to promote education and hope that we give more children the chance of an education. The best part is, the children love it and are so proud of their uniforms. Some of the children walk past the Mango House in the morning on the way to school and shout out at the top of their voices Hello Robert, Hello Shermina, Hello Sir (Aloysuis), Hello Didi (Sangetta) – It’s lovely to hear them.
#25
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Posted 03 August 2006 - 01:22 AM
I see you've updated your website the pictures are lovely.... I'm getting really excited now about coming. Do you know if there are any good places to stay near Mapusa?
#26
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Posted 03 August 2006 - 06:07 AM
Good job! Nice website, too!
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln
#27
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Posted 04 August 2006 - 09:18 PM
Glad you liked our website... Have to say it took me absolutely ages... But even if I say so myself I think I've done a reasonable job on it! 
(Thanks Dzibead and Madmania)... Most of our volunteers stay near the beach as Mapusa isn't that nice to stay in, not really touristy.. But if you like a working town then you could try it, but the beach is much nicer...
(Thanks Dzibead and Madmania)... Most of our volunteers stay near the beach as Mapusa isn't that nice to stay in, not really touristy.. But if you like a working town then you could try it, but the beach is much nicer...
#28
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Posted 07 August 2006 - 08:26 PM
The latest newsletter is out and finished, below is one of the stories from it, if you would like to read it in full then have a look here http://www.childrenw...r/2006-07-E.htm)
One of the stories from this months newsletter.....
Building Saira’s House
Shermina and Aloysuis were doing outreach work in the slums one afternoon when they visited Saira who is one of the newer children to attend The Mango House. When Shermina and Aloysuis saw her family’s living conditions, they were horrified. The home consisted of a basic shell with one side and a roof made only from cardboard. There was no protection from the wind and rain that was coming in from all sides. The roof was at the point of collapse due to the damp cardboard and the children had to sleep in the rain each night.
Shermina and Aloysuis returned to The Mango House to tell the volunteers there was a big job that needed starting the next day. However, nobody quite realized just how big it would be!
The following day Shermina, Aloysuis, Kym, Dave, Marlene, John and Becky arrived at the hut to see what work needed be done. It was decided that the first thing to do was to empty the hut completely so we could assess the situation. This was a huge task. After some items had been removed, piles of rotting clothes were exposed beneath and the floor was rotting and uneven. When the roof was removed, water flooded down onto the volunteers. The damp cardboard made an ideal home for huge infestations of various insects and gave some of the volunteers a fright. By that time an audience of around 50 locals were looking on to watch those mad foreigners dismantle the hut.
Luckily, the rains stayed away for most of the day and as soon as everything was emptied we were able to decide what needed to be done. The floor was a complete mess with only a very small level space. The rest of the floor consisted of rubble and collapsed when walked on. Kym started work on making the floor level, but decided that sand would be needed to make the floor an even height and a safe place to use. As always in Goa, it took three hours longer than expected for the sand to turn up. Work did not come to a halt though.
When Shermina first saw the hut, she had not realized the extent to which it needed repairing. As time went by it was obvious that a full new roof was needed and that plastic sheeting would not be strong enough to resist the winds and the rains, so the decision was made to buy corrugated iron to remake the roof. However, this was where the fun really started as no-one had any experience in building a hut and did not have a clue how to fix everything together! There were still lots of people around watching, but nobody seemed to want to offer their help until Dave blatantly asked someone, ‘Are you going to help then?’!
The man turned out to be a great help and the roof quickly went up and was fixed to the hut. Plastic sheeting was then placed around all of the sides and the roof to make it as water tight as possible. It started to get dark. Work could not be completed that day, so some volunteers returned the following day to add the final touches. As we were leaving, we asked the children if they liked their new home and the older three children loved it, but we had a critic in the youngest family member (2 years old) who wondered what we had done to her home? It was so sad to know that all she had ever known was her old home. The volunteers asked the children what they would be having for their evening meal, as the volunteers had not seen any food during the process of emptying the house. It was heartbreaking to hear that there was no food and that the children would be going to bed hungry. As you can imagine, we could not let this happen so later on that evening food was taken down for them and they were very happy to go to bed on full stomachs for a change.
The following day several of our volunteers returned to put some more plastic on the sides, roof and floor. Plywood sheets were laid over the plastic on the floor so that the children had a hard dry place to sleep and finally some mats were laid on top of the wood.
The house building had been a very tough job but definitely a great success. We have visited the house since and it is lovely to see that they are finally living somewhere that is dry, safe and clean. Thank you to all of our volunteers and everyone else who gave a helping hand. It is great to know that the family can finally sleep without getting wet.
One of the stories from this months newsletter.....
Building Saira’s House
Shermina and Aloysuis were doing outreach work in the slums one afternoon when they visited Saira who is one of the newer children to attend The Mango House. When Shermina and Aloysuis saw her family’s living conditions, they were horrified. The home consisted of a basic shell with one side and a roof made only from cardboard. There was no protection from the wind and rain that was coming in from all sides. The roof was at the point of collapse due to the damp cardboard and the children had to sleep in the rain each night.
Shermina and Aloysuis returned to The Mango House to tell the volunteers there was a big job that needed starting the next day. However, nobody quite realized just how big it would be!
The following day Shermina, Aloysuis, Kym, Dave, Marlene, John and Becky arrived at the hut to see what work needed be done. It was decided that the first thing to do was to empty the hut completely so we could assess the situation. This was a huge task. After some items had been removed, piles of rotting clothes were exposed beneath and the floor was rotting and uneven. When the roof was removed, water flooded down onto the volunteers. The damp cardboard made an ideal home for huge infestations of various insects and gave some of the volunteers a fright. By that time an audience of around 50 locals were looking on to watch those mad foreigners dismantle the hut.
Luckily, the rains stayed away for most of the day and as soon as everything was emptied we were able to decide what needed to be done. The floor was a complete mess with only a very small level space. The rest of the floor consisted of rubble and collapsed when walked on. Kym started work on making the floor level, but decided that sand would be needed to make the floor an even height and a safe place to use. As always in Goa, it took three hours longer than expected for the sand to turn up. Work did not come to a halt though.
When Shermina first saw the hut, she had not realized the extent to which it needed repairing. As time went by it was obvious that a full new roof was needed and that plastic sheeting would not be strong enough to resist the winds and the rains, so the decision was made to buy corrugated iron to remake the roof. However, this was where the fun really started as no-one had any experience in building a hut and did not have a clue how to fix everything together! There were still lots of people around watching, but nobody seemed to want to offer their help until Dave blatantly asked someone, ‘Are you going to help then?’!
The man turned out to be a great help and the roof quickly went up and was fixed to the hut. Plastic sheeting was then placed around all of the sides and the roof to make it as water tight as possible. It started to get dark. Work could not be completed that day, so some volunteers returned the following day to add the final touches. As we were leaving, we asked the children if they liked their new home and the older three children loved it, but we had a critic in the youngest family member (2 years old) who wondered what we had done to her home? It was so sad to know that all she had ever known was her old home. The volunteers asked the children what they would be having for their evening meal, as the volunteers had not seen any food during the process of emptying the house. It was heartbreaking to hear that there was no food and that the children would be going to bed hungry. As you can imagine, we could not let this happen so later on that evening food was taken down for them and they were very happy to go to bed on full stomachs for a change.
The following day several of our volunteers returned to put some more plastic on the sides, roof and floor. Plywood sheets were laid over the plastic on the floor so that the children had a hard dry place to sleep and finally some mats were laid on top of the wood.
The house building had been a very tough job but definitely a great success. We have visited the house since and it is lovely to see that they are finally living somewhere that is dry, safe and clean. Thank you to all of our volunteers and everyone else who gave a helping hand. It is great to know that the family can finally sleep without getting wet.
#29
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Posted 08 August 2006 - 10:22 AM
what a great story. what a difference this must make for one family, and who knows what the ripple effect from that will be.
bless you all.
bless you all.
just is.
#30
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Posted 08 August 2006 - 12:03 PM
What a sense of achievement everyone must be feeling. A great article PS - keep 'em coming. 
'Their people will judge them on what they can build and not what they destroy.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent,
know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are
willing to unclench your fist." ~ Barack Obama.
Zimbabwe News!
City of Kings! Photos.
Our Shame.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent,
know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are
willing to unclench your fist." ~ Barack Obama.
Zimbabwe News!
City of Kings! Photos.
Our Shame.
#31
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- Location:Goa, India
Posted 09 August 2006 - 09:12 PM
Glad you liked the story... I wasn't there (unfortuantely) but Shermina who started the charity with me did it with the volunteers.. I don't think they knew how hard it would be...
The whole newsletter can be found on the CWT website... (Including the sad news about the Mango House - which was supposed to be the good news I was going to mention on here.... - Oh well.. We'll keep trying...)
Thanks
The whole newsletter can be found on the CWT website... (Including the sad news about the Mango House - which was supposed to be the good news I was going to mention on here.... - Oh well.. We'll keep trying...)
Thanks
#32
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Posted 10 August 2006 - 04:04 PM
I certainly hope the Mango House doesn't take much longer to reopen PS. It appears there are some pretty desperate cases needing your assistance especially little Premi
'Their people will judge them on what they can build and not what they destroy.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent,
know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are
willing to unclench your fist." ~ Barack Obama.
Zimbabwe News!
City of Kings! Photos.
Our Shame.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent,
know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are
willing to unclench your fist." ~ Barack Obama.
Zimbabwe News!
City of Kings! Photos.
Our Shame.
#33
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Frequent Flyer
- Gender:Male
- Location:Goa, India
Posted 10 August 2006 - 05:26 PM
Just (litteraly) been informed that her aunt and uncle have beaten her up again... I'll end up taking them to the police myself when I get back over there... They know I'll do it as I've done it to another father (who came home drunk and put his daughters hand into boiling curry - wasn't a nice sight...). I'm back in a week (hopefully) so will see what I can do...
Edited by Poiple Shadow, 10 August 2006 - 07:31 PM.
#34
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Posted 10 August 2006 - 05:35 PM
OMG.......I don't know what to say!!! Is there no-one else that can help this child - a week is a lifetime living under those conditions!!??
...I don't know what to say!!! Is there no-one else that can help this child - a week is a lifetime living under those conditions!!??
'Their people will judge them on what they can build and not what they destroy.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent,
know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are
willing to unclench your fist." ~ Barack Obama.
Zimbabwe News!
City of Kings! Photos.
Our Shame.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent,
know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are
willing to unclench your fist." ~ Barack Obama.
Zimbabwe News!
City of Kings! Photos.
Our Shame.
#35
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- Location:Goa, India
Posted 10 August 2006 - 07:38 PM
Don't worry, Shermina has said she's been taken to a friends for the time being so as far as I am aware she's not currently in danger... Hopefully we'll have a permanant solution shortly....
#36
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Discombobulated Elsewherean
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Posted 10 August 2006 - 07:56 PM
Whew, thanks PS
'Their people will judge them on what they can build and not what they destroy.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent,
know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are
willing to unclench your fist." ~ Barack Obama.
Zimbabwe News!
City of Kings! Photos.
Our Shame.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent,
know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are
willing to unclench your fist." ~ Barack Obama.
Zimbabwe News!
City of Kings! Photos.
Our Shame.
#37
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- 149 posts
Frequent Flyer
- Gender:Male
- Location:Goa, India
Posted 15 August 2006 - 06:31 PM
Well I'll be returning to India in a few days (Airports Allowing....) We'll hopefully progress on some of the problems including Premi... Thanks for all the support...
#38
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Posted 21 August 2006 - 10:07 PM
Nice to see you are growing every stronger at Children Walking Tall. I'm proud to have volunteered for you and would love to again in the future. Keep up the work guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
#39
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Posted 27 August 2006 - 08:56 AM
Well it's nice to be back in India, I arrived just over a week ago and Shermina and I took 3 volunteers up to Mumbai for a trip out to see some of the chidlren in the slums there. For all three it was their first time so it's always a worry about what they think as generally the conditions are a lot poorer than can be found locally to us. Thankfully they weren't too shocked and we had a great couple of days giving out fruit, as anyone who has given out fruit, or anything in slums it isn't always that easy to do. Even our first stop where there were only about 40, it's hard to get them into a line and calm, the first 30 seemed to go well then the ones at the end either get so excited or fearful that they won't get any they start bunching and then the whole line system fails somewhat... 
And then others try and sneak back in and then just a few seconds from madness! I managed to get some lovely photos so I will try and add them to our website in the next week...
Also
Hi Chicken Licken, glad you enjoyed it and I'm sure we'll catch up in the future...
And then others try and sneak back in and then just a few seconds from madness! I managed to get some lovely photos so I will try and add them to our website in the next week...Also
Hi Chicken Licken, glad you enjoyed it and I'm sure we'll catch up in the future...
#40
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Posted 02 September 2006 - 07:53 PM
Managed to get a few more pictures up, a little celebration of World Goa Day.., really just an excuse to have a few games and play... Not that I need an excuse....
http://www.childrenw...om/Pictures.htm
http://www.childrenw...om/Pictures.htm
