The Center for the Children of the Street, a government-run daytime-only shelter, opened in 2004, expecting to service 30 to 35 children ages 7 to 17.  Within the past year they have been overwhelmed, and are currently serving over 150 street children.  The children who come in off of the street have more often than not been abused very badly and/or abandoned by their “families.”  The mission of this Center was to bring the children off of the street during the daytime, providing them with skill training, education, and a good meal.  Although the government provides the facilities for these centers, the centers rely heavily on donations to fill the basic needs of these children.   Jennifer Crist, working with the humanitarian aid organization Celebrate Children International, collected and delivered many basic needs at the opening of this center including, but not limited to:  Clothing, shoes, toiletries, school supplies, hygiene supplies, and snacks, etc.  Read more about Jennifer’s work at this facility through Celebrate Children International in the blog.

There is tremendous need for help at this site to serve these children’s needs.  All crews will have a chance to visit this site.  This trip we hope to deliver more supplies for these children, and to provide kits to “Feed the Soul” and assist with training on how to use them.  We will be creating kits with underwear, socks, new toiletries, a Bible, a wound care kit, etc.  Upon delivery, the medical crew and cultural exchange crew will be discussing hygiene, teaching basic wound care, and giving spiritual support to these children.  Our hope is to also have a closing concert celebration onsite, including music, arts and crafts, and interaction with these children and the organizers of COTS.

For more photos & info go to the COTS Photo Album.

(photo albums are not designed to be viewed on dial-up connection.  Dsl or broadband connection is highly recommended.)