IN
MINISTRY
TO
CHILDREN
AIMS
& OBJECTIVES
It
is the aim and objective of IMC to offer an alternative way of life to “Street
Children”, whose lives are in constant danger.
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A)
The Problem. It has been estimated that 70% of Colombian families
live in poverty. Contraception
is only used rarely in South America.
The “Macho” image is dominant in Colombia and fathers
frequently leave their families to exist by themselves.
This results in :- Many large families, often 8 children. No “bread winner” in the
family. No “State Aid”, because of the relatively low taxes
that can be collected. Massive hardship and poor living
standards. A situation where 55% of housewives feel safer on the street than in their homes. Some malnutrition caused by poor
diet. Many families cannot afford to send children to school. Widespread criminal activities
taking advantage of the situation. Some children, particularly boys, being sent out to
earn, at age five. Older children finding life
easier “on the street”, than at home. Many
kids roam the streets in gangs. This gives protection to the individual. The
Government frequently refer to them as ”destachables” or disposable. Police
regularly “clean-up” an area by shooting children. Racketeers
kill children in order to use the body parts. Children
need to sleep during the day because of the dangers. Colombia
has the highest number of killings and kidnappings of any country not at
war. Civil war between the Government and guerrilla groups has been raging for over 30 years. |
B)
In Ministry to Children.(IMC)
Is a Christian ministry that puts Biblical teaching to
practical purposes. IMC is an organization recognized by the Colombian
government. The day to day decisions are controlled by The IMC Board of
Directors, in Colombia. The Board consists of Colombian Christians plus the
staff. Support for IMC is from individuals and churches, in UK and
internationally.
IMC
works at the “social” end of the scale, seeking to prevent “children at
risk” being forced onto the streets by supporting them in their families. To
this end, IMC frequently provides necessities for these “families in need”,
including provision of school fees and uniforms, clothing, medical expenses or
groceries. IMC has day
to day contact, “on the streets”, with youngsters whose lives are under
threat and in constant danger.
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C)
Objectives. Whilst it is the aim
of IMC to reach as many needy children as possible, it is recognized that
a practical number of perhaps 100 - 150 can be helped “on the streets”
and maybe around 40 in IMC homes. It is a principal
objective of IMC to provide, where possible, the following, in a secure
and safe environment, for each child:- An adequate and balanced diet. and a constant supply of
adequate clothing. Proper education in a local school, including the
teaching of basic social skills. Basic Christian teaching and discipleship. Support of his family, so as to maintain their family
contacts. Some recreation and leisure, where possible. Technical training and the teaching of a “work
ethic”. A practical
“Woodworking Shop” is already running where the boys receive regular
instruction. It is the intention to raise up mature, well balanced, Christian Colombians. |
D)
The IMC “PLAN”.
The “plan” is
for IMC to have ‘homes’ in the form of property, and, in addition, to
continue to reach children “on the streets”.
The “Finca” ,
known as Granja Peniel:-
IMC has purchased 13.5 acres of fertile farmland about
45 minutes to the north of Bogotá
IMC’s aim is that this should
provide space and fresh air.
It is anticipated that some “farming” work will be
carried out here.
In the first phase three purpose built “homes” will
provide for about 30-40 boys.
Each “home”, of 8-10 boys would be run by Christian
couple, as house parents.
Additional workers may also be employed.
The sale of farming produce would help to finance the
running of the home.
It is envisaged that the farm would provide safety and
security.
The boys would be supervised in their “rostered”
work tasks.
Sports pitches and other facilities
will be provided for recreation, and workshops for training.
The house parent system is augmented by specialist helpers which include a Social Worker; a Psychologist; a Nutritionist and a Therapist. This additional team of workers, who may be part-time at the start of the development, are required by the Colombia Government but are chosen as known and recommended Christians.
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E)
Resources
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How can YOU help ?
Please contact us using this
address, for any further information.
Tel./ Fax 01730 231400.
E-mail 106104.722@compuserve.com Registered Charity Number 1064690 IMC Feeding programme -Fusa Now feeding about 90 children a week |
Gift
Aid makes your gift go further.
Regardless of the size of your gift, for
every £1 you give,
In Ministry to Children can reclaim 28p
from the government.
A £20
gift becomes £25.60.
This scheme is available to all UK taxpayers provided that you have paid an amount of tax at least equal to the tax reclaimed. (See notes opposite) All you need to do is complete the form and sign the declaration and return it to In Ministry to Children. We will do the rest. Thank you for helping your gift go further.
Title_______Surname_____________________________________
Forename(s)_____________________________________________
Address________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
_________________________________Post Code_____________
To instruct IMC to reclaim the
tax on all your gifts complete this form, sign the declaration and return to
IMC.
I want In Ministry to Children to reclaim the tax I have paid on this and future gifts until I instruct you otherwise.
Signed…………………………………………...
Date……………………………………………..
To make a regular gift please complete
this form (in block letters) and
send it to
your own Bank/Building Society.
Please pay Nationwide Building
Society
Sort Code: 07 - 00 - 55
Account No : 76354900
Account name “In
Ministry to Children”
the sum of £
.
Amount in words .
.
and thereafter each month/quarter/year* until you receive instructions from me to cancel this Standing Order.Please debit my/our*
account accordingly.* Delete as appropriate.
Account Name .
.
Account Number .
.
Address
.
.
.
.
.
. Post Code . .
Signature
.
.Date .
.
Maicol is typical of many Colombian children. Here is his story as told to Seren Boyd (IMC’s publicity officer)
I used to live in Fusa with my mum, my brother and sister, in a big house. My mum used to sell clothes in the street. My dad didn’t live with us. I used to look after cars - I used to get 10,000 a day (£3) and I spent it on toys. I did that from when I was five till I was eight. I went out at 7am and went home at 9pm. We didn’t eat so we were hungry. We sometimes ate in the evening but not always. I was alone on the street but there were other children and I used to play with them. I had three friends, Carlos, Cristian and Jose. I met Jaime (James Beaunaux) one Wednesday when I was looking after cars. He became my friend. I came to Bogotá because I was going to the doctor. Some kids had come up to me one evening and I had some cash - about 400 pesos (20p). There were five boys and I don’t remember what they said. But they broke my arm and I went to the hospital and they put a plaster on me. Then my mum hit me with a shoe - I don’t know why. I came here (Casa Peniel) one and a half years ago and it’s great, really nice people. I like having lots of people here. I still go to Fusa in the holidays and on bank holidays. I want to be a football player when I’m older - like El Pibe or Miguel Calero. I want to be on TV and playing for the World Cup.
Nancy (IMC Director)These are some of the landmarks in our
history, they are a mixture of events in the corporate life IMC and the personal lives of people involved with the work in
Colombia.
·
1994
- IMiC
founded in Bogota.
·
March
1995
-
Freddy Alfonso (one of the boys) visits the UK with James.
·
August
1995 - A vehicle is purchased with the help of IMC-UK
to aid James in his work on the streets.
·
September
1996 - Stephanie Moore, the first worker to go out from the UK spends a year in
Colombia.
·
January
1997 - Jimmy and Alehandro disappear from the streets and are later found dead.
·
October
1997 - IMC-UK
gains charitable status.
·
February
1998
- Casa Peniel is given to IMiC
for
use as a home for children.
·
May
1998 - Maicol comes to Casa Peniel after being beaten.
·
September
1998 - Grant and Kathleen Bye and their family, from the USA join the team in
Colombia.
·
August
1999 - Granja Peniel, the site for new homes for children is now owned IMiC.
·
September
2000 - Planning permission is finally granted to build homes at Granja Peniel.
·
March
– October 2001. First home built at Granja Peniel. Occupied Jan.2002.
·
May
2002 – Borehole commenced for water supply.
IMC Boys at Granja Periel
Thank you for making a difference in our lives.
