Latest news concerning the children of Calheta de São Miguel, Cape Verde

Upon having read some of the letters sent by the children of Calheta de São Miguel referring their wish to have a birthday party similar to one I had organised for one of the girls (Justina) sponsored by her "godmother" Isabel Castilho in 2010 and having once more looked at the joyful face of those who were "priviledged" then, I decided to soon travel there with another "godmother" (Henriqueta) with the purpose of organizing a "special" birthday party for 23 children, whose birthdays are from January through to April.

I have already bought a few things (colourful table cloths, paper plates, paper glasses, napkins, clown hats, baloons of all sizes and shapes and a few little things) to take there and will naturally be financially helped by the "godmothers" of those children in what concerns the meal and cakes which will have to be cooked locally. 

 

I'll finally made good use of some bags kindly offered by one of the "godmothers" (Carla Cordeiro) as each of the children will be given one together with little treats (sweets and small souvenirs). I feell I am as excited as they'll be when they find out (once I intend to keep it a "surprise" right to the last moments).

For Henriqueta it will certainly be a unique experience as she will to get to know her "protegée" Eunice de Jesus and the one her daughter has recently taken the "responsibility for", Ana Bina, as well as become aware of the environment the children live in.

We will take the opportunity to carry with us the birthday presents for two of the children included in this group (Valter and Ivanilde) who haven't yet received them, together with the ones for those whose birthdays will be from May through to July.

A few more "godmothers" have joined our group recently to "provide for" Ivete, Ana Bela, Carine, Ana Bina, Ana Rita, Evilise and Silvaneia, (whose photos I will soon publish, as soon as I get further information on them).

Having recently become aware that an emergency shelter centre in Praia providing for abandoned babies and youngsters at risk is short of clothes and other material we have also decided carry a few things with us to provide them with the necessary as far as  immediate needs are concerned (most baby clothes have been provided by Celeste).

I can't help but feel extremely happy to find out that we are "creating" a solid and responsible group to further continue helping these children and any others who might need (a third computer will be handed to an adolescent who has applied for the Police Academy thanks to Telma).