LOCAL ROTARIANS IN BID TO STOP CHILD SLAVERY
A motion to mount a world-wide campaign to stop the practice of child slavery will go
before the Rotary International Council of Legislation in the USA next month - thanks
entirely to the initiative of Norwich Rotarians. Ironically, it comes at a time when the
world is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade
An early motion was prepared by Chris King of Norwich Rotary Club, following a talk on
child slavery by Mark Little from neighbouring Club, Norwich St. Edmund. He had witnessed
the problem at first hand in India. The motion was put to Rotary District 1080 (East
Anglia), and then presented to the national Rotary Conference where it was passed
unanimously. It will now be put before the Rotary world-wide Council by a former EDP
advertising manager and past District Governor, Brian Baxter.
The motion calls upon all Rotarians the world over to campaign to stop the practice of
child slavery and cruelty to children in employment wherever it takes place, and to
disassociate themselves completely from all persons and businesses that make use of forced
labour.
"Although slavery is illegal, it is estimated that there are now more slaves than
ever before - an estimated 27 million", said Mark Little. "Sadly, the majority
of these are children, who are being increasingly exploited by unscrupulous land, factory
and plantation owners. One of the worst countries is India.
"In that country, 'child slavery' exists in many industries such as brick works,
clothing, glass making and firework factories, stone quarries and carpet making
establishments" continued Mark. "A slave is someone who is unpaid, unable to
leave and is controlled by violence or the threat of violence. It goes to the point of
eliminating the identity of the individual. When rescued, the children are broken in body,
mind and spirit and need to go through a careful rehabilitation process".
Mark Little first went out to India five years ago to see how these children are
rehabilitated, returned to help in 2004 and then went again in 2005 to open facilities
funded by his and other Rotary Clubs. But the matter didn't rest there. He and Chris King
both felt that action was needed on a wider basis - a world-wide basis. The motion that
has now reached the highest level in Rotary is the result.
"If the motion is passed, then we will have the support of thousands of Rotarians in
a campaign to make people aware of the situation, and lobby governments to eliminate this
cancer in our society" concluded Mark.
Contacts: Mark Little 01508 49282
Alan Caine 01263 577636
Youth Group Helpers Wanted.
Local youth groups are in need of helpers to support their growing numbers of children.
You have to be willing to have a CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) check, which is normal
for anyone working with children these days, but you will understand that every parent
wants to know that their child is as safe as possible in all circumstances.
It is only a couple of hours a week and is an enjoyable way of teaching our children new
things and making new friends.
It is FUN!
If you want to know more about helping the youth in our communities, especially Briston
and Melton Constable then
please call:- Sue - 01263 514482 |
HOME REPAIR GRANTS TO HELP LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
North Norfolk District Council is offering a new grant to help vulnerable households in
privately-owned housing, particularly those with children, who may not be able to pay for
home repairs. Decent homes are important for the health and wellbeing of those living in
them, and are a key element of any thriving, sustainable community. NNDC aims to ensure
that 70% of the properties occupied by vulnerable households in the District achieve the
Government-set Decent Homes Standard by 2010.
According to that standard, a decent home must:
* be in a reasonable state of repair
* have reasonably modern facilities and services
* be fit to live in
* provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.
However if your home does not meet any of the criteria below and you receive one of the
benefits listed below, a grant may be available to help you.
* Income Support
* Housing Benefit
* Council Tax Benefit
* Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance
* Child Tax Credit (income less than £15,050)
* Working Tax Credit (Income less than £15,050)
* Pension Credit
* Attendance Allowance
* Industrial Injuries Disablement Pension
* Disability Living Allowance
* War Disablement Pension
The Home Renewal Grant replaces the former Home Repair Assistance Grant and Home
Renovation Loans, and simplifies the application process. Grants of up to £25,000 may be
given to bring the property up to the Decent Homes Standard. Since the Home Renewal Grant
in September 2006, the Council has received over 200 inquiries and approved around 125
grants. Now the Council is encouraging a new round of applications. If you would like to
discuss the possibility of receiving a Home Renewal Grant please contact a member of the
Private Sector Housing Team on 01263 516169.
WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?
Work has begun on the updating and landscaping of Otterndorf Green and the removal of
the large hedge and bushes has certainly opened up the whole area.
I am sure that when it has been completed and new planting is established that it will
be glorious and certainly people using the Bus Shelter on dark nights will feel more
secure. For me though, the sadness is the loss of the lovely roses, their perfume when in
bloom will be missed. I hope that they have gone to brighten up another corner of
Sheringham and not been 'composted'! That would just be a waste. |
