'Freedom to live' is the theme of Christian Aid Week 1997, which focuses on India as it celebrates 50 years of independence.
Although this 'freedom' is a cause for celebration, the relief and development work done by our partner organisations overseas is still vital. It helps some of the poorest people in the world - people like 12-year-old Moti.
Moti lives in the slums of Raipur, South India. He shares a one-room house with his brother, sisters and parents. They have no electricity, toilet or running water.
Unlike 12-year-olds in Britain, Moti has to work to help feed his family. He is a shoe-shiner, and walks up to 8 miles a day looking for customers, earning about 30p a day.
Moti's parents believe education is the key to improving their children's lives, but they cannot afford for Moti not to work.
However, Moti recently started going to evening classes, and a playtime in the park on Sundays. Both were set up by the Raipur Churches development and Relief Committee (RCDRC) which is run by local people to improve the lives of child labourers. The Committee is planning to offer food to families who put their children into full-time education, to make up for lost wages.
RCDRC is funded by an annual grant from Christian Aid.
PLEASE HELP COLLECT FOR CHRISTIAN AID WEEK - MAY 11th to 17th (contact Fiona Ross - email us)
written by Fiona Ross
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page last updated 4 MAY 1997