Alfmac,

Thank you for the post... The charity who take the children to Baga and Calangute are different to us, we used to volunteer for them two years ago but decided it was not the place for us, and when we returned to the UK friends and family said, why don't you start your own. So a year and a half ago Shermina and I started Children Walking Tall. (Since then it's been a bit of a whirlwind trying to learn new skills as I'm sure you can imagine starting anything in India, especially Goa is not the easiest thing to do. But thanks to help from HT-ers (Thanks Guys) and of course friends and family we are buoyant and giving real help to lots of Children. Which is why we started it. We had Sangeeta (a little girl who had her arm plunged into boiling curry by her drunk father) over with us again, yet again her father had stumbled home in a terrible state and lay half unconscious on the floor near where she lives.. Just seeing a smile on Sangeeta face makes everything we've done worthwhile. But I think I'm going on a bit... Back to your post...

We are happy to receive anything, clothes (over 6's in greater need - if you're bring girls clothes then short skirts for over 9's aren't really appropriate (due to the culture)) are always welcome, vitamins and day to day things are always needed tooth paste, soap, shampoo etc) but it might be cheaper to buy these locally (and doesn't weigh your baggage down so much). Medical items are good, although we do have a large amount of plasters at the moment. medical things required would be simple wraps to cover infected areas, skin creams, medical tape etc as we do 'first aid at the slum each day', other things like scabies cream/soap is always in great need, other common infections are impetigo, conjunctivitis etc..

Pens, Pencils etc we do tend to receive a lot of (as most people think it's needed), but if you already have then bring, but please don't buy especially. Small toys that can be used for Christmas presents etc are also great as we're already collecting for Christmas as we hope to give out 750+ presents this year! - If anyone is coming near Christmas then we can always do with a hand in wrapping them!

Please email me directly (via the website) and let me know where you're staying etc, also I can then answer any more questions you might have.

Hope this helps

It was heartbreaking reading about that little girl Sangeeta. Her evil father needs hung, drawn and quartered!
At least children walking tall will make her little life more bearable and happy poor wee soul.

Sangeeta (Sangie) is probably my favourite (I know you're not supposed to have them, but it's just human nature....), Yesterday (like most days) her father was in a desperate state, collapsing, fighting etc with many of the other fathers/mothers who were 'enjoying' the holi celebrations.

It's such a shame that the children have to witness this (everyday). But we invited all the chidlren up to 'The Mango House' to get them away from the madness and fighting... They all spent a few hours away from their parents and played with toys all afternoon. It was a lovely sight... (Will get some photos posted soon).