Program Expansion
REDS is expanding to reach out to more people in need. We have started work in two new areas: G.D.Mara and Ramnagar. G.D.Mara is a new slum in Bangalore. The majority of families have migrated from neighboring states in search of daily labor. With both parents working, there is no one to care for the younger children. Our work here will focus on enrolling children in formal schools. The G.D. Mara Play School was inaugurated on 9 February. We have also begun to work in Ramnagar, a hilly area located on the borders of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Along with the existing Tailoring Unit, a new Play School was opened on 6 February. Baglur Layout, one of the largest slums in Bangalore, was in need of another Play School. REDS opened another center on 9 March. There are now two Play Schools and a Tailoring Unit in Bagalur Layout.

A Visit to India
Ms. Patricia Reeg and Fr. Allen, SM from the USA visited India. They participated in the REDS program from 6 February 2007 to 13 February 2007 in Bangalore, Deepahalli and Ranchi . Ms. Reeg and Fr. Allen met the children and communities where REDS works. They visited with the children at Day Care Centers and Play Schools, and also experienced our Self Help Groups and Tailoring Units.Ms. Reeg and Fr. Alan spent time with the boys at the Skill Training Center, visiting each unit. They visited the Play Schools and Tailoring Units in Hosur. Ms. Reeg visited the REDS program at Ranchi on 12 and 13 February. The children at the center were happy to meet her. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for taking time to visit our REDS program.

Medical Check-up
On 20 February 2007 a general medical check-up was arranged for all the trainees, school boys and staff at the STC. They were inspected by Dr. Prakash who spent the day assessing the health status of the boys. The general check-up and found many of the boys with open wounds, scabies and worms. They were prescribed with ointments and tablets.

* The welding and school boys were taken to Cubbon Park and Lalbagh this month.
* The caprentry and tailoring trainees were taken for an exposure program to Sumanahalli, a leprosy home. The boys visited the garnment, leather, candle, and screen printing production units at the center.
* The school boys have taken their final exams. Tehy are at their homes spending time with their families until 30 April and school resumes again at the end of May.
* Monthly family nights and birthday celebrations

Picnic
It is very important for children to have some fun besides studies. Thus, on 18 February, the staff and school children went to Getalsut Dam for a picnic. It was a day of fun and frolic for all children and staff. School children have taken their final exams. Overall, the results were very good. A few children have achieved 1 st and 2 nd rank in their class. The students are now on summer vacation, but many come for grammar classes. The past few months have been busy preparing children for entrance exams into schools. Parent meetings are focusing on the admission and readmission of the children to the formal schools.

* The Mousibari Center children were taken to Radha Rani Hospital for a leprosy check-up. Five children were diagnosed to have leprosy marks. The Missionaries of Charity sisters have given tablets to them. We take this opportunity to thank Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity for their dedicated service.

* The staff conducted an area survey in Ranchi and found 705 ragpicking children in Ranchi . We are investigating the possibility of expanding our REDS program into four new areas.

* In vocational training news, the tailoring trainees are making school uniforms for the formal students. They are dutifully working on their embroidery, tailoring, and knitting. Attendance has been very good. The embroidery units are making handkerchiefs, altar cloths, table cloths and shawls. The knitting section students are knitting shawls, sweaters, and other woolen clothes. Two students from the knitting units have completed their courses and received certificates. Two girls from the tailoring units are appearing for the metric exam.

* Ms. Patricia Reeg visited the REDS program at Ranchi on 12 and 13 February.

* On 7 February, Adarsh Seva Organisation arranged a drawing competition in the Hatia Center. They also arranged an essay competition for school children. The writing topics were “Child Labor” and “How Should Our Village Be?” Children participated in the competition and received prizes for the best sketch and the best essay.

* In March, the Mousibari center held a cricket match between the boys and girls. The boys won the match.

* Srs. Franca and Juliana, FMI have been visiting the Khadgarha Center daily since February.