Romanian
youngsters could soon find themselves starring in a fundraising calendar
on the streets of Bath.
The disadvantaged children have taken part in summer camps organised
by a charity which was set up by a former Bath teacher.
Phil Miller used to work at Widcombe Junior School before leaving to
set up the charity, Education for Children in Need (ECN).
"Many of the children have special needs, but there is no social infrastructure to help them.
"They have no papers and so are unable to receive healthcare or any kind of benefits.
According
to the government, they simply do not exist. Last summer was ECN's busiest
year, with three camps taking place thanks to the help of many local volunteers
who applied after seeing an article in the Chronicle.
"However, with the charity expanding at a huge rate, it is in ever-increasing need of funds."
The children and young people targeted by the charity's work live on the edge of Romania's fractured society.
The aim of the camps is to get them back into education by giving children, who are from the poor area of Timisoara, the love, attention and educational stimulation that they are unable to get at home.
ECN's future plans include five activity camps for next summer and a Christmas camp in the UK.
"However, with the charity expanding at a huge rate, it is in ever-increasing need of funds."
The children and young people targeted by the charity's work live on the edge of Romania's fractured society.
The aim of the camps is to get them back into education by giving children, who are from the poor area of Timisoara, the love, attention and educational stimulation that they are unable to get at home.
ECN's future plans include five activity camps for next summer and a Christmas camp in the UK.
But
most ambitious is the building of an educational village in Romania for
which land has already been bought. Mr
Miller hopes to sell more than 1,000 copies of the colour calendar and
wants local businesses to help finance it by buying advertising space.
If
any companies are interested in getting involved they can email Harriet
Armston- Clarke at harriet@e4cn.org for more information.
ECN is always looking for volunteers to help run camps or help with fundraising in Bath and anyone who is interested is asked to get in touch in the same way.
ECN is always looking for volunteers to help run camps or help with fundraising in Bath and anyone who is interested is asked to get in touch in the same way.