Shelter for street children inaugurated

Shillong, Oct 12: Shillong Reach Ministries extend its social service by the opening of a Day Shelter for street Children of Shillong at Assembly of God Church premises, Keating Road, Shillong.

The Shelter was inaugurated by Director of Social Welfare HM Shangpliang in the presence of Roshan Warjri, chairperson, Meghalaya State Women Commission, B. Nalle, additional director of Social Welfare, Rev. N Karthak, Dr. Sandi Syiem of SANKER Centre, students of St. Edmund College, Martin Luther Christian University and Women College and street children of Shillong. The function was presided over by Rev. RG Laloo, founder of Shillong Reach Ministries.

The Reach Shillong Ministry works among the street children in and around Shillong who are in need of care and rehabilitation, female sex workers and young people who needs direction and fellowship.

The Reach Shillong Ministries Open Day Shelter located at Assembly of God Church premises, Keating Road, Shillong will open from 9 am to 8 pm daily for street children of Shillong city between the age group of 5 to 15 years.  The shelter will provide immediate and short term assistance and also served as a place for children to rest while at the same time engaging them in meaningful activities that will enhance their wellbeing.

The Shelter will also provide basic health care, counseling, non formal education, recreation, personality development for the street children.

Inaugurating the Shelter, Shangpliang congratulated the Reach Shillong Ministries for this noble venture which he said is a long pending need for the street children. He opined that by the opening of this shelter, street children who are a vulnerable group could be protected and provided assistance. He also assured that the Social Welfare department would extend all necessary assistance to the Shelter as far as counseling, pre -school kits and salary for the care taker. – By Our Reporter