As our newsletter goes out many people throughout
the world are preparing for Christmas. Many people
will be focussing on a very important religious
celebration whilst for many others the focus will be
on the giving of gifts, spending time with our
family and friends, eating, drinking and generally
making merry. We wish all of those celebrating
Christmas a joyful time.
It has been an incredibly busy three months and
we are already looking forward to the new year with
anticipation. As the old year draws to a close,
however, we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to
say thank you to all of those whose support
contributes to enabling disadvantaged children in
Goa to enjoy a healthy, educated childhood. Whether
you have volunteered at or visited Mango House, did
unpaid work for Mango Tree Goa, made a financial
contribution, set up a regular donation, fundraised,
gave gifts, spread the word, inspired others or just
followed our work with interest we are truly
grateful that you chose to do so. Nothing we do is
possible without your support. We wish all our
supporters a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year.
“NO GIFTS PLEASE” – A SPECIAL
BIRTHDAY BOY
We are always touched to hear about children who
recognise that there are children in need and want to help.
Savita told us about one such 3 year old boy called Aneesh.
With the help of Mum he sent out cards for his birthday
which said “No Gifts please. Instead of bringing a birthday
gift we request that you please contribute to any of the
items listed below towards the charity Mango Tree Goa.” and
gave the link to our Bags4School project.
As a result of Aneesh’s thoughtfulness Savita received
lots of items towards the project. On behalf of the children
Aneesh has helped we say a huge thank you.
OUR 2012 CHRISTMAS APPEAL
There are many kind people who think about giving to
those in a less fortunate position than themselves at
Christmas. Each year Mango Tree Goa will hold a Christmas
Appeal which will run from 25th November to 6th January. We
hope our appeal will hold a special place in the hearts of
those who wish to give disadvantaged children in Goa a
brighter future.
There are so many ways to help and we are sure you will
be surprised how far a little can go in Goa. Whether you
make a general donation, or donate to buy a school bag, to
provide meals, healthcare or towards the salary of a nurse
or teacher makes no difference – the outcome is the same –
children very much in need of a helping hand will benefit as
a result.
Read More about our 2012 Christmas Appeal, the many ways
you could help and just how far your money goes.
DONATE NOW TO OUR CHRISTMAS
APPEAL
Click the parcel if you will give an extra gift this
Christmas and make an online donation. Don't forget to leave
us a message to tell us if you wish your donation spending
in a particular way.
THE MANGO TREE’S WORK
We are committed to supporting
The Mango Tree Trust in Goa. Based at Mango House just
outside the town of Mapusa the Trust supports around 100
children who live in local slums and other poor quality
housing by focussing on education, healthcare and nutrition.
They also ensure that children have some fun too.
Read more about the ways they support children or click
any of the following to see their work in photos:-
Mango House has a permanent year
round complement of nine fulltime and three part-time staff.
For those of you who haven’t had a chance to visit Mango
House we thought you might like to see the dedicated team
who make it possible for children to have a childhood and
the chance of a better life.
Back Row : From left to right :
Yasmin (Gardener), Ali (House Father), Annu (Asst. Teacher),
Karishma (Nurse), Sarojini (Helper), Bhakti (Teacher), Saroj
(Cook), Pappu (Driver/Office), Pushpa (Helper)
Front Row : From Left to Right :
Rhakee (Accts/Office) and last but never least Savita
(Trustee Manager).
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS AT MANGO
HOUSE
Supporters are welcome to visit Mango House Monday to
Friday between 9-5 though it’s always best to contact Savita
so she can ensure there will be someone to greet you.
Please note, however, that the Mango House will be closed
from 26th
December until 2nd January
MY FIRST DAY – BY HEGELINA
Lucky me!
I got a year’s sabbatical from my teaching job in Norway.
I have travelled for 48 hr and had 5 hours sleep. And now
I’m sitting in a taxi heading out to the unknown. It’s my
first day as a volunteer at the The Mango Tree Trust in Goa,
India. I’m feeling quite nervous, not knowing what to
expect.
It turns out I had nothing to be worried about. First I
meet my new colleagues - what a treat. So lovely, shy and
eager to meet me. This unique shyness and curiosity is
something I adore about the Indian people. After
introductions it’s time to get cracking. We all jump in the
van. Ali, maybe the best driver in India takes us the short
five minute ride. Driving to the first local slum, I prepare
myself.
Children are children
As we are driving into the first slum, I spot around 20
children starting to wave and jump up and down to greet us.
It brought a smile to my face. Let’s never forget that
children are children no matter where we are in the world.
Read More
about a volunteer’s first day at Mango House.
THE MANGO TREE BANNER
Recently the Mango Tree volunteers had the idea to make a
special banner for Mango House. They based it on the Mango
Tree logo but had the wonderful idea to make the leaves from
the handprints of children, volunteers and staff. The banner
now hangs in the entrance at Mango House. A huge thank you
goes to Chloe, Laura and Hegelina for giving the House such
a wonderful gift.
VISIT OF AMERICAN SCHOOL OF
MUMBAI
During October Mango House was
joined by a group of 20 students and 2 staff from the
American School of Mumbai. The group spent their afternoons
with the children. They arranged themselves into groups and
undertook craft sessions and played football with the boys.
The children had a wonderful time and we say a huge thank
you to the group for sharing their time and talents and
especially to Jennifer for arranging the visit.
There has been lots to celebrate
in recent months. In September Mango House celebrated the
joyful festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Read More about the festival and how it was celebrated.
Diwali followed on 13th November which was a
National holiday so the staff celebrated with the children
the following day. By coincidence it was also Children’s Day
so the staff ensured the children had lots of fun.
Read More about Children’s Day and The Mango Tree
celebrations.
Birthdays were also celebrated at the end of every month
with a special dance performance from 3 little girls in
honour of Savita’s birthday in November.
COMMITTED TO COLVA
As we were establishing Mango Tree Goa we were made aware
of a group of children in Colva in South Goa who were very
much in need of some support. The children are all from very
poor backgrounds with most parents make a living from
selling on local beaches. Their plight had been recognised
some years before by a group of people who whilst on holiday
were concerned to see young children selling on the beach
and had managed to enlist the support of a local lady to
give the children tuition after school.
Over time the original supporters of the project had
themselves faced difficulties and had largely given up on
it. Maria, the lady whose help had been enlisted to provide
the tuition continued to teach the children but It was clear
that this situation would not continue indefinitely.
Having learnt more about Maria and her dedication to
helping the children we were delighted to be able to commit
to supporting 20 children in the Colva area with school and
tuition fees, school bags and footwear and we look forward
to reporting more about the project in our next issue. For
now we pay tribute to those who saw children in need and
tried to help. They named the group Children of Goa which we
will maintain moving forward. Finally we say thank you to Mr
DeBroqueville for bringing the plight of the children to our
attention.
MANGO TREE TRUST GAINS SECTION
80G EXEMPTION
The Mango Tree Trust is now exempt under section 12A and 80G
of the Income Tax Act (1961). Under Section 80G a 50%
deduction is available on all contributions to the Trust
subject to calculation and limitation.
If you are an Indian National or NRI and would like to
help by making a donation to the Trust please contact
themangotreetrust@hotmail.com or call on 9881261886
OUR BAGS4SCHOOL PROJECT
Did you know it costs around £10* to provide a child with a
school bag containing all of these items. Assisting
school children with the supplies he or she needs to keep
clean and carry out their studies boosts confidence and
encourages attendance.
Read more about this project and how it will benefit
children.
WILL YOU GIVE AS YOU LIVE
Will you raise funds for Mango Tree Goa every time you shop
online at no extra cost to yourself? Thousands of major
retailers such as M&S, Amazon, John Lewis, Expedia, Qatar
Airways have signed up to the Give As You Live Scheme and
give a percentage of your shopping to your chosen charity.
Please
watch this 36 second video to find out all about it. It
couldn’t be easier to sign up and then enjoy the feel good
factor as you raise funds for Mango Tree Goa just by doing
your normal shopping. Better still if you sign up and make a
purchase of £10 or more by 31st Dec we will receive £5!
Register to shop for Mango Tree Goa.
We hope you have found our newsletter interesting and
informative. However, If you would like to unsubscribe from
our newsletter mailing list please contact us at
newsletter@mangotreegoa.org and enter UNSUBSCRIBE in the
title and we will ensure that you do not receive further
issues.
Recently the Mango Tree volunteers had the idea to make a
special banner for Mango House. They based it on the Mango
Tree logo but had the wonderful idea to make the leaves from
the handprints of children, volunteers and staff. The banner
now hangs in the entrance at Mango House. A huge thank you
goes to Chloe, Laura and Hegelina for giving the House such
a wonderful gift.
