What’s in a book? Silver Lining – Hope for a childhood and a future

Over 600 at-risk children and young people have come under SHELTER’s roof since 1981.

On one hand, the existence of SHELTER’s homes is a blessing to the children and young people who live there. To them, SHELTER personifies a whole new world of care, love and security – a stark contrast to the dark world of neglect, abuse or homelessness from which they came.

On the other hand, the growth in the number of homes can be viewed as a bane because it reflects the rise in dysfunctionality in families with a marked deterioration of values, trust and cohesion.

Compare and contrast this state of affairs with the 1989’s Convention of the Rights of the Child preamble which affirms that the family is the fundamental group of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members and particularly children; and “the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.” Clearly, the children and young people in SHELTER’s homes represent those who have been deprived of this basic right.

As SHELTER celebrates its Silver Jubilee, we felt it was timely to produce an updated book on social issues (the last being published in 1989!) it is hoped that the book provides some information about protecting children – our children – which is useful, affirming or even amusing.

The book features these sections, namely:

1. Protecting, Guiding and Healing our Children – provides awareness on The Child Act, 2001, as well as advice and tips on teaching and empowering our children to be safe (eg. Cyber safety, HIV awareness, etc.

2. Childhood Raiders – examines and discusses various situations where someone’s childhood had been raided or robbed or violated (eg. Sexual abusers, incompetent parenting, etc.)

3.  Building Loving Families and Strong Communities – explores and discusses parenting skills as well as a discussion on the “Rukun Negara” and its part in building communities.

Interspersed throughout the book are childhood stories (heartwarming and amusing reminisce) of various personalities in an attempt to show the importance or “gift” of a normal upbringing.

SHELTER will launch Silver Lining ~ hope for a childhood and a future during the SHELTER’s 25th Anniversary Charity Dinner and a copy will be given to each guest at the diner. The book will be sold at selected bookstores after September 2006.