El-EAGA.com - About EAGA - Charitable Work

Emmanu'-EL Apostolic Gospel Academy (EAGA) is a Christian organisation that does charitable and outreach work in the community and for various organisations. The members of EAGA work tirelessly day to day on a voluntary basis, actively participating and supporting ventures that enrich people’s lives. EAGA promote and administer equality and empowerment for all people in and outside of the city of Leicester. Indeed the main purpose of EAGA is to serve and minister to peoples needs. These are just some of the initiatives and charitable ventures that EAGA have been involved with:

EAGA in Elderly Homes
The EAGA choir visits sheltered housing schemes for the elderly on a periodic basis. The choir then engage the residents in singing and then there is tea and conversation about the gospel and life in general. The elderly residents some of whom have no immediate family really look forward to and appreciate such occasions.
'This is a Message' Project
EAGA joined forces with problem youths from a youth organisation and its youth worker to write and promote a song called ‘This is a Message’ which was against gun crime among youths in deprived communities. The song was performed at the Phoenix Theatre in Leicester and the event was attended by mothers of victims of gun crime throughout the country, the Police, youngsters and various community groups and organisations. A documentary was shown about the impact gun crime had on the mothers of the victims and the local communities. There was an open debate, discussion and questions put to the police and community leaders which helped to break down barriers and aid the healing process for the mothers of the victims.
Silver Star Charity
It is estimated that this year about 50.8 million people from India will have diabetes, rising to 87 million by year 2030 which is the highest in the world. EAGA supports the MP Keith Vaz who is the national patron of ‘Silver Star’, the charity that donated a mobile testing van, which is called a Mobile Diabetes Assessment Unit. Most people in India do not have easy access to diabetes diagnostic centres. The van, which comes with testing equipment, a bed and washing facilities, will travel across Goa providing free diabetes testing to the poor and needy. For TV interview with Sister Ellah click here
EAGA's President promoting equality and diversity
EAGA and its President Bishop Mark Anderson was involved with supporting Harriet Harman MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Chair of the National Labour Party and Leader of the House of Commons, to assist in launching its national campaign bus. MP Keith Vaz, Chairman of the party’s Ethnic Minority Task Force was also involved. EAGA whilst not affiliated to any political party saw this venture as an opportunity to reach out to the local community promoting equality and diversity. More details click here.
EAGA's Christmas Day Special - 'Jesus Day'
Since Christmas 2007 EAGA has held Christmas Church services at De Montfort University’s (DMU) Campus Centre and provide dinner mainly for overseas students who remain on campus away from their family and loved ones. The event is entirely funded by EAGA who provide a hot buffet Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, along with refreshments throughout the day until the late evening. The event is now a part of DMU’s calendar. Some students feel home sick at Christmas and EAGA is there to provide them with the emotional support they need to feel at home away from home. The students reported that they are very appreciative of the free Christmas dinner and were made to feel at home by the friendly and jolly atmosphere created by the EAGA team. (See event presentation for Christmas 2009 and Christmas 2010).
Special Olympics GB
EAGA had a significant role in the Special Olympics 2009 which was hosted in Leicester and the choir represented DMU. The choir members wrote about seven songs especially for the Olympics. In June 2009 the choir raised £760 for the games when cycling into the city centre as they sang, before performing more songs by the clock tower. The choir, a team of athletes and a group of police officers welcomed the ‘flame of hope’ to Leicester for the opening of the Special Olympics. (See: Article 1 and Article 2). Most EAGA members were also volunteer stewards, referees and officials of the various sporting disciplines and became popular for their enthusiastic singing and bringing smiles to the competitors and audience faces. (Read our report on the event)
EAGA Choir sings for BBC Children in Need
In November 2009 EAGA took part in an event in aid of BBC Children in Need. BBC Radio Leicester was set the challenge of raising the biggest choir in Leicestershire to sing the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus from Handel's musical masterpiece. The event helped to raise £550 for BBC Children In Need and the EAGA choir made a massive impact at the event which was aired live on BBC Radio Leicester. Members of the EAGA choir were also interviewed by BBC Children In Need and this was aired on national T.V. For more information click here and click here for media footage.
Skyride for EAGA Choir
In August 2009 EAGA were among thousands of cyclists that packed Leicester's streets as the Sky Ride freight train made the fourth stop of its 2009 series. EAGA demonstrated its support for Sky Ride and cycling in the city by riding from Saffron Lane to Abby Park, as they sang gospel songs. EAGA members are famous throughout the city of Leicester for riding bicycles and indeed about 80% of EAGA’s members cycle every day promoting a greener cleaner environment.
EAGA supporting DMU Sport
EAGA actively support the students of DMU and attend annual events such as the Colours awards and the Varsity sports fixtures in football, cricket basketball and rugby matches, where DMU compete with its city counterpart the University of Leicester.
EAGA Choir fundraising
EAGA were at Fosse Shopping during the 2009 Christmas period singing carols to the delight of passing shoppers and over £2,035 was raised for charitable causes. More information click Fosse Park Shopping Centre.
EAGA Workshops in Schools
EAGA participate in vital out research work in schools throughout Leicestershire. We continue to conduct Choral and African drumming lessions to children at The Samworth Enterprise Academy School in Leicester. EAGA provides the vocal training of the children and the opportunity to be involved in competitions (such as Choir of the Year 2010) and events hosted by EAGA (Christmas Family fellowship 2009 and Praise Night 2010)