Pavement Club
- The Church of St. Andrew & St. Columba, Mumbai conducts a project known as the Pavement Club which is designed to help underprivileged street children dwelling on the pavements. The Pavement Club caters to the various needs of the underprivileged children, regardless of caste, creed or religion. The doors are open wide inviting all children in need, never denying entry to anyone. The functioning of the Pavement Club is covered under the objects of the Church of St. Andrew and St. Columba Trust and has been effective since 1975. The Pavement Club is situated at the premises of the Church of St. Columba, 11 Hazarimal Somani Marg, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001.
- The activities began in 1975, under the caption 'Operation Shidori' a programme to provide food for children and street dwellers during a time of drought and famine. However, in 1978, Operation Shidori was renamed 'The Pavement Club'.
- Friday evenings to a street child is one involving recreation, fun and games, a chance to have a much required bath, avail of medical care, clothing, and the assurance of a wholesome and nutritious meal. Beyond this the children are also given a sense of belonging and the love and care of a family.
- Children are first offered bathing facilities; water, soap and towels are provided. In addition, the girls are given hair oil, combs and ribbons to tie their hair. Indoor and outdoor games such as carrom, cricket, kho-kho etc. are arranged for the children's recreation, whilst they may alternatively choose to gather inside the main hall of the Church and watch television. Clothes are distributed to both girls and boys from time to time. Medical camps are held on a monthly basis with necessary follow up checks and the services of a qualified doctor are provided. Evenings’ programme culminates with a nutritious meal provided to all the children who approximate 200 in number.
- The Pavement Club depends wholly on private overseas and local donors. Further, other charitable institutions help in meeting the expenses involved in running a project of this nature.
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PavementSchool
- The Church of St. Andrew and St. Columba were encouraged to lay stress on supportive education to pavement children and thus the 'Pavement Children's Elementary School' was founded in 1991. The school imparts supportive non–formal education which is much needed and relevant to such children. There are two sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. during week days.
- Students attending the PavementSchool are encouraged to join a regular recognized Municipal/Government or Private School.
- The School provides basic requirements to the children, such as school fees, books, uniforms, clothing, medical amenities, games and snacks. These amenities and benefits are provided entirely free of cost. At the PavementSchool there are approximately 90 children. At the morning sessions, children receive breakfast and those attending the afternoon sessions, are provided a full meal.
- At the PavementSchool teachers and volunteers help the children in completing their homework as well as in coping with their studies. Individual attention plus group coaching methods are followed.
- Additionally, the children undergo computer training classes and are also sent to Certified Computer courses. Cooking lessons, sewing classes, and arts and crafts are systematically taught to the children. They are also given an opportunity to develop their skills in sports, dance and music. The aim is to create awareness about the more important aspects of life, thus helping them develop a strong all-round personality so that they can endeavour to live a better life.
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