Mumbai Branch, India / Sep 2003 Contributor: Branch Master Hiroyuki Kato

In Mumbai Branch there are about 16 Indian Children practicing Shorinji Kempo. They were once street children begging at the train stations in Mumbai. But now they stopped begging with the help of VOICE. Since 1991, VOICE ( Voluntary Organization in Community Enterprise ) has been reaching out to neglected and vulnerable street children and through EDUCATION enabling them to improve their lives. Shorinji Kempo is one of these programs to improve their lives and makes their mind strong. It also helps these children by practicing some self-defense techniques because they are sometimes exposed to the dangerous situations on the streets. We'd like to introduce some of the 'Voice of Children' hoping that many people in the world can understand their condition of them and give them helping hands.

Maruti Babu Rathod (18)
My name is Maruti Babu Rathod. I am 18 years old and have been coming to VOICE for the past 5 years. I am appearing for the 10th standard examination through the National Open School. I like Shorinji Kempo. It helps me physically and mentally strong by learning it. It can also defend myself through Shorinji Kempo. There are very good techniques in Shorinji Kempo.


Sangeeta Shivaji Rathod (15)
It has been six years since I have come to VOICE. In these six years I have learnt Value Education, music, to play the recorder and harmonium, how to become self reliant and how I can strengthen my own life as well as Shorinji Kempo. I am also preparing to appear for the tenth standard examinations. I would like to write a little about Shorinji Kempo. I love to learn Shorinji Kempo and have been attending these classes for the past six months. When I come to learn Shorinji Kempo, I feel I want to learn more and more about this skill. I also derive physical strength by practicing this. I am a girl and therefore can easily be attacked by any man. Men usually attack weak women and children and bully them. I am learning Shorinji Kempo in order that I may defend myself and such women.

Kavita Ade (17)
My name is Kavita Ade. I am 17 years old. My family consists of my parents, two brothers and two sisters in law and one sister. We all love one another very much.I used to work as a labourer. When I first come to VOICE, I did not know to read and write. I have learnt to read and write here in VOICE along with other skills such as programs that VOICE has for us. I was President of the children's forum called Bal Sabha where we were given a chance to expose our talents. Shorinji Kempo has really helped me a lot. I will be able to defend myself if I am attacked and will also save other people when they are attacked. I have also learnt many other things from Shorinji Kempo.

Jaggi Bhima Chauhan (16)
It has been six years since I have come to VOICE. I have learnt cleanliness, punctuality, to read and write and good conduct at VOICE. Earlier, I used to beg at the Andheri railway station. I am learnt a lot at VOICE. I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters. I have been learning Shorinji Kempo since the past 6 months. Shorinji Kempo will always help us so that we can defend ourselves when we are attacked. I would like to continue to learn Shorinji Kempo.


For more details, please contact us.

E-mail to MUMBAI Branch Master ( Hiroyuki Kato ): denjiro@vsnl.net
Website of VOICE :www.voiceofchildren.org

 

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