This programme is for the children living in the street. The team of staff who work with these children are in constant contact with them and are very aware of the dangers and the problems they face.
One activity of Operation Friendship involves the educators taking hot chocolate and buns to the children during the night and early morning, when they are alone in the streets in doorways; under bridges; under rubbish; on sheets of cardboard and offering them not just something to eat but the security of knowing that someone cares.
Many of these children are involved with drugs; some with violence. Others have been abused. Most are emotionally and psychologically damaged. All this means that great skill and care is needed in dealing with them. Fortunantly, Funvini’s educators have this in abundance.
Much work is being done to help the children overcome their addictions and some have even been reunited with their families. Others have shown an interest in education and now go to school. They do their homework on the pavement and use their books as a pillow.
An extention of this programme involves these children coming to Casa Walsingham for half a day each week. This has been so successful that the group has now had to be split into two. Casa Walsingham has a special area where these young people can be received. They can shower and change their clothes before eating breakfast. Then there are various leisure, craft and educational activities on offer, during which time problems of all sorts---physical, medical, emotional, psychological, can be dealt with.
Lunch follows. Funvini’s staff hope to persuade at least some of these children to agree to let them find a place in a residential home for them, or to try to find their families. For some this is not possible and progress is slow; nevertheless, there is progress.
