Nelson Rodrigues, saviour of street kids in Goa.

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Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service
& circulated by Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network
(GOA CAN)<goadesc-0VrrOzQoB60xpvK4C0GaPQ@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Ph:2252660
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Nelson, saviour of street kids.
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by Ramnath Raikar

It is quite depressing to observe that with the ever increasing progress
and development one sees around, the state also witnesses increase
in the number of destitute children... Children who have nowhere to go,
no one to turn to!

During past few years, quite a number of non-governmental organisations
and persons in their individual capacities are seen to be involved in
improving the living conditions of these unfortunate kids.
Nelson Rodrigues is one such person, who has dedicated himself
towards such a noble task. Equipped with a wide experience of working
with AIDS centres and homes for the aged, in England and South
American countries including Brazil, Rodrigues came to India seven years ago.

?After my return to India, I travelled a lot and found that Goa
had a lot of street kids. In fact, they were not local children,
but emigrants neighbouring states,? Rodrigues informed.
Around 1998, he rented a house in Merces, where a crèche
was set up for about 55 kids, who came in to attend the day care
programme. The programme included free education, provision of
mid-day meal, besides recreational activities.

?It was quite a challenge at the time, because I had a language problem
and didn?t know any people around. I was all alone till I met a lady from
Panaji,?Rodrigues briefed.

Many of the children came from different cultures, carrying a lot of diseases
and I had to spend a lot of time to find out where they can fit in,
besides teach them about etiquettes and physical hygiene.

Soon he started ?Shallom House? and managed it with the help of the lady,
running from pillar to post. Mr Rodrigues narrates an interesting anecdote
that prompted him to set up a full-fledged orphanage, with adequate
accommodation for its inmates.

?One fine day, as I was strolling along the streets of Panaji, one little girl
approached me and she did not ask for food or money. What she asked for,
really touched me,? he informed. She asked for a place to live, he added.
?I thought to myself that I had to do something here,? he continued.

Last summer, ?Shallom House? moved to its new premises, at Chorao.
Presently, it houses around 23 kids.Shallom House has to do with
paltry funds from foreign countries and is looking out for government grants
that could be of great help. ?We are even trying for tax exemption certificate
to those who would provide us with funds,? he stated.
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Peoples Page in The Navhind Times 13/11/02 page 2
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What's On In Goa (WOIG): 
Nov 06 Children's book exhibn opens, Walkabout, Anjuna... (all weekdays)
Nov 06 ArtHouse, Calangute: Chaitali's acrylics on canvas till 19.11
Nov 07 Revision of electoral rolls (till Nov 30) See schedule.
Dec 01 Two day conference, Goa Agenda. IT For Society. (Ends 2.12) 
Every Sunday: Music therapy sessions at Moira, 5 pm. 278, N.Portugal

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