Newsletter Q3 2008

The unrest and turmoil within so many African nations rarely makes it onto our TV screens but the scenes from the Democratic Republic of Congo over the last month will have brought worrying memories to many viewers of the horrors which gripped Rwanda in the not so distant past. The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, one of the four charities which your money continues to support, is as well-placed as many international charities to try and make an impact and the value of the OPS setup really becomes clear at such times. Through the contacts we have forged with this charity, we can get first-hand accounts of what is going on but also instantly see how our support has helped and will hopefully continue to help in the future. This newsletter contains a very informative report from our contact there, Carissa Lopez.

The news from our other charities is thankfully more positive than the worrying developments in Africa. Seeds of Hope are gearing up for their Christmas cards blitz, one of their biggest sources of revenue and the Salaam Balak Trust have been able to make a real impact to the lives of homeless children in Delhi. Closer to home, Headway East London have been celebrating the official inauguration of their centre. Read on for all the latest OPS news.

Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers

The horrific news from the Democratic Republic of Congo over the last month has dominated the agenda of the Coalition and has shown why now, more than ever, the support we can provide this charity is so valuable. We are really grateful that Carissa Lopez, our Coalition contact through our own James Etchells, has still been able to find the time, despite the troubles, to give us an in-depth update on what is going on and what the Coalition can do to help. Please read on to find out about their perspective on the fighting, including news about recruitment of child soldiers which has been missed by all the major media. There is also an update on a new radio communique being used in the north Kivu region of the Congo to try and raise awareness of the use of child soldiers.

Click here for Carissa's report Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers - Nov 2008

Salaam Balak Trust

Nick Thompson has been maintaining contact with the Salaam Balak Trust in India and he may even be visiting for a few months in the New Year. He has news on a scheme to help homeless and impoverished children around the Old Delhi Railway Station, a mobile school programme which is bringing education to previously ignored children and also, a report on the annual SBT celebrations which are particularly important this year as the charity reaches its 20th anniversary. Plus information on how many children the Trust has been able to help in the last year.

Click here for the full story Salaam Balak Trust - Nov 2008

Seeds of Hope

Ms Anna Ray continues to rule the roost over Seeds of Hope and your money has been going towards a lot of their projects over the last few months. Read her report for news on the opening of a Seeds of Hope cafe, the latest crop of Christmas cards, all the summer fun had at Seeds of Hope and the first of the email penpals between Britain and Peru.

Click here for the full story Seeds of Hope - Nov 2008

Headway East London

Finally, our own David Croshaw has taken OPS activism to extroadinary new heights through his work with Headway East London, namely by performing in a drum/flute/piano ensemble at one of their latest events (yes, those instruments do go together). Such frenzied jazz flute improvisations haven't been since Ron Burgundy last took to the floor (watch Anchorman). David was playing the drums for those who are interested in the style of an even more hectic Keith Moon but without the drugs. His tubthumping marked the official inauguration of the Headway centre at Bradbury House.

Click here for David's full report on the day's events Headway - Nov 2008