Stuff Your Rucksack

Stepping Stones Children's Shelter, El Shaddai Street Child Rescue

About the organisation

El Shaddai Street Child Rescue has been helping disadvantaged children in Goa since 1996. Thanks to founders Anita Edgar and Matthew Kurian, hundreds of children now receive basic resources, such as food, shelter, clothes and medicine, and are encouraged to realise their full potential through education and day-to-day support. The organisation picked up the Child Welfare Award in 2008.

Why stuff your rucksack?

Stepping Stones is a day care centre and night shelter that provides much-needed support for children who are in distress, homeless, or at risk from physical or sexual abuse. Many children in the area have no access to education or healthcare, and are forced to beg or work for measly sums of money – often to fuel the addictions of their parents. Through this shelter and others, El Shaddai can "bring childhood to children who never had it". And with your books and DVDs, you can play a part in educating those who desperately want to learn. 

How to get there

Goa can be reached by its airport (Dabolim), Indian Railways trains, or buses from the country's main cities. The centre is close to the railway station and the main market.

Need to know

• Stepping Stones is open from 9.00-18.00 every day. To contact the shelter, call +91 (0)832 657 1697.
• The charity's head office address is: El Shaddai Charitable Trust, El Shaddai House, Socol Vaddo, Assagao, Goa 403507, India. Opening hours are Monday-Friday from 9.00-18.00 and Saturday from 9.00-13.30. To contact the office, call +91 (0)832 651 3286/87.
• If you cannot make it to India, El Shaddai's UK base will accept gifts at 5 Manor Court, Victoria Square, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6AA, England. To contact, call +44 (0)1409 254876 or ukoffice@childrescue.net
• The charity has a stand at Anjuna Beach Flea Market, held every Wednesday, and items can be handed over there.