Girls at Vendas Novas.
The sports hall under construction in December
2000.
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Help Support a Child
Dear Friends,
Since 1987, Siloam has been sponsoring children through the Assemblies
De Deus Church in Portugal known as 'Lar-de-Betania' at two locations;
one in Estremoz near the Portuguese/Spanish border and another at Vendas
Novas, about one and a half hours by car fro Lisbon travelling due east.
The homes were established many years ago and the property at Estremoz
was actually donated anonymously to the church by an unknown English benefactor
who happened to own land outside the fortified town of Estremoz. Originally,
the first home consisted a rambling farmhouse with many conversions and
improvements being done as funds became available. Originally, the homes
received children from all over Portugal who are recommended by various
Assemblies De Deues churches who number more than 100 throughout Portugal.
In the early days many of the children were orphans or came from parents
who has become sick or unable to look after their children. Now with the
help of the Portuguese Social Services, the home also takes in children
from broken families or where parents have been denied custody of their
own children. There are many sad cases of child abuse but these homes
are run in an excellent professional manner and they are always tidy and
clean when visited. A child can be sponsored at this home for £10.00
per month. The children do not actually receive the money themselves,
but the home uses the funds to provide the extra facilities and requirements
that the normal budget does not allow for. At the present time the home
at Estremoz for the boys is witnessing the erection of a new sports hall,
which will be a tremendous benefit to the boys for their recreational
needs.
Sponsorship funds are used to top up projects like this as well as provide
for extra outings and special treats, which the children enjoy.
The girls' home is situated at Vendas Novas and is in a purpose built
building with every modern facility. The home is situated in a peaceful
part of the town where they have a good play area and an additional recreational
room, which was completed two years ago.
The two homes are visited every 6 months by Siloam's director and photographs
are obtained to up-date the sponsorship folios. Children are slightly
reluctant to send letters to their sponsors because of their inability
to write in English but occasionally we can arrange letters to be translated
by a Portuguese volunteer.
Gifts to this project (025) are regularly sought to help with the little
'extras', which the home would not be able to afford otherwise.
If you would like to enter into a commitment to
sponsor an underprivileged child in Portugal, please write
or email
us with your details, advising us of your choice of which sex and approximate
age of a child and we will try to match him/her with your requirements
in mind.
Gift
Aid Declaration Form
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