JOANNA BUTHELLO is a godsend for children of undertrials.

For 15 years, the 65-year-old woman has been educating and sheltering children whose parents are in police custody or who are rendered homeless after riots, at Joanna Buthello Education Centre at Madh Island.

Sixty children aged eight to 15 play games, learn poems and study the National Open School syllabus on wooden benches in the verandah of the Centre, just metres away from the Madh beach.

After their studies, the children go to the bungalow, where Buthello cooks for them and prepares their beds.

"I lost my parents when I was nine," said Buthello, a retired teacher. "My sister and I wanted to study but were kicked out of a municipal school because we couldn't pay our fees."

Buthello and her sister took up odd jobs and educated themselves over time. "After my husband died, I decided to open this centre to help children who have lost their parents and want to study," said Buthello.

The children and the police are all praise for Buthello. "We approach her when we have no one else to turn to for the care of homeless children," said Jawant Hergude, senior police inspector of Malwani police station.

Fahim and Saniya Shaikh who saw their parents burnt alive at their home during the 1993 riots, have lived with Buthello ever since.

"I scream sometimes at night if I remember the dreadful sight," said Fahim. "But I like to stay here. I feel at home."

Most children return home once their parents complete their prison terms, but continue to attend Buthello's school.

"I feel very satisfied in providing these children shelter and education," said Buthello, who uses her pension to pay for the kids' upkeep. "I have employed five teachers from the nearby Madh village too."

With 60 children to take care of, Buthello is looking for volunteers who can teach. "I want someone who can spare time for the children and understand them," she said.

URl:  http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=09_06_2008_003_008&typ=0&pub=264