NGO takes streetchildren to tourist spots STAFF Reporter GUWAHATI, Nov 2 After taking a dip in the Brahmaputra, which overlooked the scenic location of Chandrapur, Uzzal, Ganesh and many other streetchildren of Paltanbazar and the railway station had embarked on a two-day motivational tour to places of tourist interests.
What was so significant about this tour organised by the Society for Social Transformation and Environment Protection (sSTEP), a non government organisation, was that the children became aware about the brighter side of life that had been always shadowed by the problems of existence.
These children live on pavements of the capital city and in the railway station and areas nearby. Everyday life for them is a struggle, said an official of the organisation.
It needs to be mentioned here that some of the members in the motivational tour group were truants or run-aways from home. This trip had been organised with the motive to provide recreation as well as develop group feeling among the children, informed the official.
Altogether 18 children along with Umesh Baruah, Child Coordinator of the organisation had started their journey from Guwahati to Morigaon, taking a bath in the river Brahmaputra at Chandrapur.
The children were taken for site-seeing at Hatisila where the Ganesh Mandir is situated, and also to Pobitora Wild Life Sanctuary. At the Sanctuary the children took a car ride and enjoyed the scenic beauty of the landscape.
At Morigaon the children attended a camp which began with an interactive session of the guest children with the host children of Morigaon. Also a football match was organised at Shantipur playground between these children and Shantipur Samoniya Akadosh. The match was won by the host team by 2 goals.
The children visited Amkata to see the Mahesh Dham which is a Shiv Mandir situated 2km above on a hilltop.
A function was arranged at Shantipur LP School which was attended by Gaon Panchayat president Lilawati Bordoloi. The children showcased their talent by performing songs and drama.
