Local charity for children - Hands Around the World - has been helping vulnerable children overseas for the last 30 years - and Saturday 9th November was their big celebration.

Over 130 people came to support the event, held at the Bridges Centre, Monmouth. Bridget Higginson, Executive Officer of the charity commented, "We were greatly encouraged by how many new people we met who were interested in learning more about our work, and thoroughly enjoyed connecting with our current team of volunteers, and many from our past."

The event was also used to launch the charity's new film. The large hall at the community centre was packed out as the reel played and children in India, Zambia and Rwanda shared stories from their lives.

The charity has been instrumental in bringing about positive change in the toughest of circumstances. One boy from Rwanda, Claude, became involved in criminal activities as he was homeless and needed money to buy food - so he dropped out of school and joined a gang. He talks about this time in the film: "Stealing, drinking beer, cigarettes, it is bad behaviour that I did. Some time I think I can't do it again. That is why I am learning [at school]".

Through Hands Around the World's partner, Muko School in Bugarama, Claude - and over 300 other children from the street - are being helped to return to their studies through a food program that provides 2 meals a day, 7 days a week. Children such as Claude who have nowhere to live are also given accommodation. He goes on to say, "I can't forget to thank Father Emmanuel (Head Teacher of Muko school) and Hands Around the World for their help in different things such as the contribution of food. Thank you so much, keep helping us because we need your support."

If you would like to learn more about the charity, please visit www.hatw.org.uk

Established in 1994, Hands Around The World helps children and young people disadvantaged through poverty, disability or otherwise vulnerable, in partnership with locally-managed centres in Africa and India. We also support well-p