The Bridge Foundation

Newsletter – Christmas 2007

We are back again to share our news with you. It’s December, the Christmas season. It is that time of the year again when we harbour feelings of peace and goodwill to one and all. The season of Advent helps us to see our children with new eyes, and the work that we do with them. It is also a good time to set goals for the coming year.

 

The New Flat

The construction of the Bridge Foundation Main Centre began in the month of October. Hopefully it will be ready by the end of this year. This space will be of great help to the children.

 

Opening of a new centre in Moulali.

This centre started in August 2007. Our coordinator Ms Regina Brangers and Ms Sangita Mondal found a need to start this centre. Some mothers were desperate to get academic help for their little children. Children who are coming to this centre are all first generation learners. We are sure with proper guidance these children will do well in school. They come three days a week and a taught under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. After the class they also get a food packet.

We are grateful to Sanghita for providing us a room in her building

 

Education

All the children in the four Centres have been working steadily and have done well in their exams. All those who had final exams in December passed and were promoted to the next class. Three of our girls will be appearing for the state exams. We wish them all the best. All the centres are running smoothly. The Children’s attendance has been fairly good. Our children in the boarding school are doing well. We are in touch with the school authorities. Our three girls going to college are doing well too. All the children are given all necessary help to continue their studies.

 

FOOD

The children in all the centres continue to be given nutritious food and dry rations. Their families are also given assistance especially where there is unemployment or when they are finding it difficult to meet ends meet due to extended families. Children and their families appreciate this help.

 

Medical Assistance

Medical help is given to all the children, their families as well as people who are very needy and helpless in our surrounding communities. We extend our help by paying doctor’s fees buying medicines X-rays scans and operations. We also provide after care for children who suffer from Malaria typhoid or flu by giving them vitamins nutritious drinks and fruits.

PROGRAMMES AND ENTERTAINMENT

  • Independence Day was celebrated on 15th August in all the centres. The flag was hoisted, the national anthem was sung. Small dramas were enacted and parties were held in the centres on the occasion.
  • Teacher’s Day was celebrated by the children to show their love and respect for their teachers. The teachers were given small gifts and variety entertainment programmes were carried out.
  • The children of Blackburn Lane centre visited the zoo on an educational tour during the month of October. They carried a picnic lunch and saw all the animals. They played games and enjoyed themselves tremendously.

 

Christmas Celebration.

From 14th December onwards we celebrated Christmas party in four learning centres. All the celebration began with a prayer service followed by Christmas carols and making Christmas crafts. There was special food for all. Children got their individual presents. Teachers were also given Christmas gifts and Christmas bonus. Everyone went home happy.

 

 

Celebrating Christmas with Physically and Mentally Challenged Children.

On 16th December Regina with the help of other teacher’s organised a morning full of fun and merriment for these special children. All the children were accompanied by their parents. All the children got gifts after the talent contest. The celebration ended with a lovely lunch and singsongs.

 

Visitors.

We had a number of friends visiting the centres in the last six months. We thank them all for taking time out to spend time with the children.

 

Thanks

We would like to thank all those who contributed to the work of Bridge Foundation by visiting us or donating money to help with the work. Without the help of all these people the work of Bridge Foundation would not be possible.

 

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas

and Best Wishes for 2008

from all in The Bridge Foundation

 

Laeticia Gomes

Agnes D’souza

for Bridge Foundation