Fly High in the Sky

Mynoddin aged 17 years who hails from Narayankhed mandal of Medak district joined the umbrella of MARG through other children in September, 1999. On his interaction with the counsellor, he revealed that he had studied upto 10th class and wanted to become doctor but was not able to continue his studies due to financial crisis. The child was encouraged to continue his studies and was sent back to his village to get his certificates. When the child came with his certificates, he was referred to our Second Home and subsequently admitted in Government Junior college for Boys, Nampally, hyderabad. He opted for Science group. His performance in his Junior Intermediate was excellent and he created a record in his college by securing 52 marks out of 60 marks in Botany. He is getting BC Scholarship and has appeared for Intermediate Examination. presently he is preparing for his EAMCET examination. Hope a bright future awaits him.

Dream Come True

Babu Rao hails from a small village in Kurnool. Babu Rao was a target of parental tiff and left his home landing in Hyderabad with a ray of hope to settle down with good job.While on the streets, he met a beneficiary of HCHW-A.P. who helped him to join the umbrella of MARG. Constant support, motivation and counselling by the staff of HCHW helped him to enroll his name for intermediate which he passed with good marks. Meanwhile he showed interest in learning Spoken English and was thus enrolled into“Vivekananda Institute of Spoken English”. He was encouraged to learn martial arts.After doing his intermediate, he joined HCHW as a street educator. He was motivated by the staff of HCHW to go for further studies. Being inspired by the team of HCHW and the profession of social work, he wanted to continue his higher studies in the field of social work and has joined in Bachelor of Social Work. At present he is pursuing his Bachelors in Social Work and has written his degree first year exam.

Transformation of Lives

E.Venkatesh, 12 year old boy belonging to Mahboobnagar,was never admitted in school and instead engaged in beedi making at home. His fate was different from other children on streets who leave their homes and land in cities. He came to city along with his father in search of work, but to his surprise and shock his father left him on streets and went away. The child was lucky to meet our CDC children and thus joined us. While in CDC, the child worked as a hotel cleaner. The child was motivated and counselled about the benefits of being with family and at home. Regular counselling helped and the child finally decided to go back to his family. He was repatriated back to his family in the month of October. The staff members of HCHW-A.P accompanied the child to his home and counselled his father about his responsibilities towards family and cautioned him with the realities of street life. Now Venkatesh is live

M. Chandrashekhar, 14 year old boy and a student of 9th class, is an example of peer influence on child. Native of Rajamundary, Chandrashekhar’s father is a doctor. Teenage is a very sensitive age and children want to be accepted by peer group. The same was the case with Chandrashekhar and he started bunking classes. His father came to know about it and he literally bashed him. The boy couldn’t tolerate it and in a verge of anger he left his home and came to Hyderabad. It was his luck that he came in contact with Street Educators who asked him, his whereabouts and referred him to our CDC–Secunderabad, The counsellor at CDC interacted with the child and empathized with his feeling and asked about his dreams and aspirations. The boy aspires to become a doctor. On knowing his aspirations, the counsellor added colour to his ambition, and told him about the ground realities of street life and made him realise that he couldn’t achieve his ambition being on streets. Counselling helped the boy realise his mistake and he agreed to go back to his family. The child was thus reunited with his family. Child’s father was also counselled about the stress that the children face during adolescence period and was suggested to be friendly with children. Chandrashekhar’s parents were delighted to get him back and were thankful to the organization for saving their son’s future.

A Long Journey . . .

Nayeem, twenty years old, and a native of Nagarjuna Sagar,Nalgonda District has been one of the best beneficiaries who has come a long way. He was about sixteen year old when he joined Child Development Centre – Hyderabad. While staying in Child Development Centre, he worked as a mason earning Rs.60/- per day. The boy had a habit of sending the hard earned money to his parents once in a fortnight. Consistent efforts, counselling sessions by the staff of Child Development Centre motivated him to think positively towards life. As a result he opted to undergo car driving from Hyderabad Motor Driving School. Meanwhile he joined in ICSS - Software Training Institute as an office assistant. As the days and months rolled down, he was well adjusted with the centre and involved himself in the rehabilitative and development programmes of HCHW. His persistence, hard work, determination and social behaviour helped him to join as an Office Assistant at HCHW-A.P.presently he is working as a full fledged Driver cum Personal Assistant to Director thus enjoying the fruits of his labour.

A step towards Empowerment
Excerpts of an interview with a Beneficiary of Income Generating Programmes

Q: Since how long are you residing in this slum?
A: I am residing in this slum since eleven years.

Q: How many children do you have?
A: I have two boys and two girls.

Q: What was your previous occupation?
A: I am a native of Hyderabad. Earlier, our means of livelihood
was my husband’s earnings, he is a painter. I did not work, as my
children were too small and earnings of my husband was sufficient.
As children started growing, we were finding our earnings
insufficient to meet the requirements. The biggest challenge and
need was to send children to school. So I decided to work and took to this occupation as I had earlier
learned tailoring.

Q: What is your education ?
A: I have studied till 7th class. Later, due to marriage I had to stop my studies.

Q: From whom did you take loans earlier and what was the rate of interest?
A: I have not taken money from outside earlier.

Q: How did you come to know about HCHW-A.P.?
A: I came to know about HCHW-A.P. from its staff members who used to move in our Basthi enlightening
us on different issues.

Q: When did you join the group?
A: I joined the group in 1999.

Q: What is the name of your group and who named it?
A: The name of my group is Ujala and we members have named it.

Q: How was the behaviour of your husband, in-laws and other relatives towards you, four years
back and now do you see any change ?.
A: I am lucky, the response of my family members has always been positive. They felt very happy.

Q: What is your income?
A: Earlier, my income was
Rs. 800/- per month but now after I have expanded my business through IGP loan, my income has increased
to Rs.1500 /- per month.

Q: Have you everrealised the benefits of joining intoSHGs ?
A: Benefits are many after joining into SHGs.

Q: Did you know about the Government Schemes earlier?
A: No, I came to know about it after joining group.

Q: What do you feel about savings?
A: I am feeling very happy after being able to save money.

Q:Do you have a say in decision- making process athome ?
A: There is mutual understanding in decision making process between my husband and myself After joining
group, whenever we have any problem we sit and talk over it and decide.

Q: Why you thought to start this IGP, what made you start this IGP?
A: I knew tailoring earlier but was unable to make income out of it. I took loan to set up a full fledged unit and
then expanded it and the results are visible.

Q: Why have you taken loan from HCHW-A.P. only, why not from other source ?
A: I have taken loan from HCHW because the rate of interest is low; repayment is through easy monthly
installment and above all there is no exploitation.

Q: Are you satisfied with the loan?
A: Yes, I am very much satisfied.

Q: How much loan have you taken till now?
A: I have taken Rs. 3000/- as loan till now.

Q: Are you regular in paying the instalments?
A: No, in the beginning I was regular but after sometime due to some family problems I was not able to pay
loan on monthly basis..

Q: What are the changes in your life as a result of IGP?
A: There is a positive change in our life. We have got many benefits through IGP by which our business has
improved, the profit helped me to pay fees of my children and to give them good education which is the
ultimate aim of both my husband and myself.

Q: What are your future aspirations?
A: I want to expand my business. I need Rs. 10,000 /- to expand my business and for that I will be applying
for a loan of Rs. 5000/-

From Beneficiary to Auto Driver

Azam joined the umbrella of HCHW in the year 1996. Since begining, Azam had exhibited good behaviour and mannerisms.He had always responded positively towards the rehabilitation programme. He was soon well groomed to join as caretaker at Second Home of HCHW. A few years later, Azam expressed his desire to learn car driving. Those were the memorable days for Azam when he joined Hyderabad Motor Driving School in 2001.He learned the skill but found it difficult to get the job placement immediately. On the otherside, his parents had fixed his marriage. Azam decided to stay in Hyderabad after marriage with his wife. To maintain his family, he needed good income.His interest shifted to Auto driving. He was helped to learn auto driving. Today, Azam owns an auto (hypothecated to a finance company). He earns Rs. 200/- a day and leading a happy life with wife and a baby boy.

A social worker in the making

Rajaiah belongs to a remote village in Warangal District of Andhra Pradesh. Although born and brought up in a poor peasant family, Rajaiah studied upto IXth standard and was in Xth Standard when he was forced to stop education and take up job to supplement the family income. The family was in huge debts due to recurring failure of crops. Rajaiah’s keen interest and his firm determination to continue studies turned the situation at home ugly to the extent that he was badly beaten by his mother. Immediately the same night Rajaiah left home and thus started the journey to unknown destination. Moving to different places, Rajaiah finally landed at Hyderabad. “I worked in hotels for 14 to 16 hours a day and used to spend leisure time at Public Gardens”, recalls Rajaiah.

“I have faced many problems on the streets. I did not get food & shelter. I have also faced problem with the police in train. They have beaten me with ‘lathi’. But, slowly I learned to face all that” He said.One day, he learned about CHILD LINE 1098, a toll free facility offering rescue and relief services for the children in difficult circumstances, initiated by HCHW. Rajaiah did not believe it but, wanted to give a try. He made a call to CHILDLINE seeking shelter. The Crisis Manager of HCHW was in front of him in minutes. “I did not believe that people come to render help on receiving a phone call. It was a pleasant surprise for me when the Crisis Manager came to the garden in search of me” He wonders. On knowing Rajaiah’s background, he was referred to the Shelter Home of HCHW. He was 14 years old then. The social workers succeeded in their efforts towards motivating Rajaiah to go back to his native place. Rajaiah was accompanied by a social worker to his home in December 1998.His parents were very happy to see Rajaiah back.Everyone thought it was a happy repatriation. But, the real trouble started then.
The rumors spread in and around the village that Rajaiah was in the Naxalites camp all these days. (Naxal movements are very active in Telangana Region of Andhra Pradesh, Warangal district being the strong base for Naxal movement).
Rajaiah and his parents were interrogated by the Police. The police was not satisfied with the explanations of Rajaiah and his parents that he lived in the shelter home of HCHW. They suggested to get a written proof from the HCHW. Rajaiah, with his father rushed back to Hyderabad.
On hearing everything, the Director of HCHW gave a letter to them certifying about the period of stay of Rajaiah in HCHW. On presenting the letter to the concerned police officers, they got the relief but was mometary. Rajaiah was still under suspicion. “In our villages, if any adolescent or youth are not seen for a few days then, the rumors spread that they are in the training camps of Naxalites. And, their life become miserable with the suspicions and interrogations” said Rajaiah. It was a very difficult phase that Rajaiah and his parents were going through.“Please take my son back into your shelter home. He is living in fear and frustration. I am afraid that it may lead to wrong consequences” pleaded his father. Thus, Rajaiah wasback to HCHW again.
His previous study certificates helped him to join in Xth standard. He was very regular to school. He also joined in NCC.He secured First Division in SSC examinations. He was,then,helped to join in Intermediate course. While studying Intermediate, he developed fascination and interest in Social Work course. Later, after completing the Intermediate course,he joined in ‘Bachelor’s Degree of Social Work’. Rajaiah has good links with his family members. He visits his family in vacations and sometimes on the special occasions like festivals, functions etc., He still feel that the situations in the remote villages (of Naxalite areas) is not good. “Many adolescents and youth are still living in fear, tension and frustration. I am lucky that I have got a right ‘MARG’ and leading a happy life. Above all, I am able to continue my education” says Rajaiah.

Opportunities . . . at the Right Time makes all the Difference

Shabbir is fourteen years old. He joined the umbrella of HCHW in May 1997 with an interest in studies when he was eight years old. He was immediately sent to HCHW - Second Home and admitted in Ist standard in a private English medium school.Being sharp and intelligent, he picked up studies very fast and scored first rank in all tests and examinations, all through the year and then, year after year. In the last six academic years shabbir got double promotions for three times.He bagged two awards during the last year – one, for always being first in class. (eversince he joined his school) and the second for being the best student of the school. Today,shabbir had just appeared for IXth standard examination.
Shabbir hails from a family which had migrated from Warangal District of Andhra Pradesh and settled in Hyderabad for long. His father, an abusive alcoholic is an autorikshaw driver. Shabbir is fourth in order among his nine siblings. Unable to manage the expenses of such a large family his father stopped the education of shabbir’s two elder brothers and put them on job. The next target became shabbir. Although too young to work, Shabbir was forced to join in a garage. “My father never used to give money for the house hold expenditures.
My mother found it very difficult to run the family.Hence, I had to leave school and join the garage” recalls Shabbir. He further says “I used to earn only Rs.10/- per day, but that was really required at that time for food and sustenance”. Shabbir had always nurtured a dream for high education and secured employment with big salary that can solve all his domestic problems. However, with the situation at home his dream was getting more and more unrealistic. “As the day comes to an end and the evening starts, we all used to be very scary-that our father comes home, consuming alcohol, and beat our mother and us without any reasons” recalls Shabbir.
With continued efforts and counseling services of HCHW staff, shabbir was helped in resuming back his links with the family. His mother and siblings were very happy to see him when shabbir was taken home for the first time. “My husband will not let shabbir attend school, he will again put him to work, please keep my child with you and let him continue his studies”,pleaded shabbir’s mother at the time of home visit. shabbir prefered to stay back at HCHW and continue his studies. “I thought my life will also end up in doing some labour work like my brothers. I never imagined that I will be given a second chance to enjoy my childhood, school life and family environment. I am thankful to all those who are shaping my future, my life” says Shabbir like a grownup boy.

The Glimpses of Childhood in Dreams

Fourteen years old Prabhu joined the umbrella of HCHW long back in August 1997. He was, then, around 8 years old. During group activities and one-to-one interactions, the social workers found that Prabhu belongs to Warangal. It is further found that Prabhu’s father works in a Church located beside a petrol pump. Efforts initiated towards the repatriation of
Prabhu, and he also responded positively. Immediately, a staff member of HCHW reached Warangal (who is also a native of Warangal) to locate Prabhu’s parents and his home. All these efforts have gone vain. It was indeed unfortunate that the staff member failed in his efforts and came back with the information that there is no such church in Warangal located beside a petrol pump with his father working over there. It was indeed a shocking news for Prabhu also. Thanks to the individual attention given by the HCHW-Counsellors at that time which had encouraged Prabhu to accept the reality as it is and involve himself in the development activities of HCHW. As a second step, efforts initiated towards creating an interest in Prabhu towards education and his enrolment in regular school for formal education. The social workers succeeded and soon, Prabhu was joined in school in IInd standard in 1997. Now, Prabhu is appearing for VIIth standard examinations. In the last week
of January 2003, Prabhu was observed depressed and withdrawn. This was understood as natural since most of his friends had either gone back home or established a link with their family members. Soon, Prabhu expressed his desire to meet his family members with the Resident Social Worker. Prabhu also shared that he is watching the particular church and petrol pump located in Mahaboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh in his dreams regularly . The RSW immediately catches the name of the district and tried to confirm with him. He was reminded by the RSW that he had earlier said Warangal and as such efforts were made to trace his family over there and not in Mahaboobnagar. He confidently confirms Mahaboobnagar district as his place. This information has further strengthened the ‘hope’ in Prabhu as well as the RSW. Prabhu became restless and his eagerness to visit home was clearly visible in his eyes and on face. Prabhu was sent to Mahaboobnagar on 2nd February 2003 along with a trained staff member of HCHW. It was a miracle. The particular church and beside it the petrol pump as described by Prabhu were located. With little more efforts involving the local people and with their cooperation, Prabhu’s family was traced. It was really a joyous moment for Prabhu, his family and HCHW that Prabhu is back to his family after six long years.

What the child could not recollect in six odd
years finally remembered seeing glimpses of his childhood in dreams

Can you believe it ! Yes, Prabhu is the live example

On to the Right ”MARG” . . .

Mohd. Irfan, also known as Sultan, is a 16-year-old boy, with a family of four brothers, four sisters and parentsfather an auto driver and mother a housewife. With a family so huge and a single breadwinner (father), Irfan was forced to join work at the young age of six. With no formal education to support he had to work in garages and workshops. He says “ I like radium work. We can stick different types and designs of radium stickers on the vehicles”, recalling his days in a workshop. Irfan was experiencing the bitterness of poverty, the scarcity of all the basic necessities was felt, he exclaims, “ the situation in my family was very difficult. Difficult for anything and everything. All can not get proper food, clothing etc., It was like a saying ‘Ek Anar aur Sau Bimar’ (one pomegranate and 100 sick). Irfan like others at his age, dreamt of a better life, a happier one, and to realize his dreams he left home and landed on to the roads, but soon realized that life on streets was not a piece of cake, he says “I left my home for good but, it was literally a struggle for survival. Many times, I thought of going back home but, was afraid that my parents might beat me and hence, continued on the streets”. He travelled endlessly, he did odd jobs like picking rags, shoe shining, sweeping train bogies, cleaning tea cups and worked as a cleaner in DCM van and Lorries. Finally at
Hyderabad, to his delight he was spotted by HCHW’s street educator, who had joined him at the CDC-Hyderabad and thus began his journey on to the right ”MARG”. At CDC, Irfan was regular to the Non- formal education classes; he later joined the screenprinting unit to under go the six months training. Also efforts were made to make Irfan realize that he should be back with his family, he was positive about it but he expressed “If I go home now, my parents will ask me what did you do all these days and what are you doing now. So, I want to get the full training and then, a good job. Then, I can go home proudly and say that I am working in so and so place and earning so much of money”. Irfan had planned to go home on Bakrid festival, by then he would complete his training and expected to acquire a job also. With the help of the Social Workers, he did indeed get a good job, earning Rs.1500/- per month. As planned, Irfan went home, along with the Social Worker. Irfan’s parents couldn’t believe what they were seeing! “We searched for him in many places. We spent lot of money in travelling from place to place for him. Many times we thought that he might not be alive since, it is too long that he had left home. We lost all our hopes that he will come back home. This is the real festival for us that Irfan came back; we really want to celebrate this” Irfan’s father said in a choked voice.

“I thought my life would end working in the garage just like my brothers, i had never imagined that i would go back to school” says Shabbir, who has come a long way today from working at a garage for Rs.10/- a day at the age of eight, having scored first class marks with distinction in the ssc. He dreams of becoming an engineer. We wish him good luck

The twist that unfold the trauma

Master Syed Mohammed is a ten year child, hails from Charminar, Hyderabad. His mother who got remarried after his father’s death and left him with grandparents. He used to work in a hotel. His elder sister used to harass him on petty issues. Thus, he left home and landed on the streets. He was traced by one of our street educators and referred to Child Development Centre-Secunderabad. After constant counseling, the child agreed to go back to his aunty.

The real twist in story is… after reaching the address and meeting guardians, our caretaker came to know that the boy was not a boy !!! But to his astonishment a girl !!! In an interactive counseling, the girl revealed with dripping tears in her eyes “since, i am not able to withstand the ill treatment at my house, i came on the street. But, i know as a girl it is very difficult to survive on street, facing other people. So, in disguise of boy, I wanted to protect myself. I even changed my name from tasleem to syed mohammed. All that I need in my life is love and care.” Hence, the guardians were counselled and suggested to give attention towards her emotional needs.

Our Work with Women through the words of Malan

I was born in a poor family of five sisters and two younger brothers. My mother was a maid servant and father a richshawpuller, a thorough drunkard drinking all his earnings. I don’t remember much of my childhood or my house as I was there for a very short time. I was very small, I do not even remember properly when I started working as a domestic servant
rather a bonded labour. Yes, I remember my father coming once a year and taking away the money from my master. I would work, work and only work the whole day long -all for an adequate meal. Apart from doing all household chores, I would have to take care of my Master’s four year old boy. I always wanted to go to school like my master’s daughter but couldn’t. Thanks to Bade Amma (my master’s mother) who was kind enough and taught me to read urdu. At the age of 15, I was married and by 17, mother of two. My husband was not a drunkard like my father but was very lazy and would never go to work. He always wanted to make quick money for which he would gamble with his friends. I would try to explain to him that it is of no use to get into such activities but he would not listen and worst of all, his mother would support him. My mother-in-law being very orthodox would not let me even peep out of the house. My children would sometimes sleep hungry, I would then think of working somewhere but I knew that my mother-in-law would not allow me to do so. The only solution for the family was to borrow money from the money lender at high rates of interest time and again. One day when my mother-in-law was away to her native place, I had attended HCHW community meeting, where I was introduced to the concept of ‘Self Help Groups’. I was convinced with the idea and immediately acted upon pooling members to form a SHG called Ujala, registered with HCHW. Initially, I would hide from family members and attend the group meetings. However, I was able to save an amount of Rs.30/- every month without the knowledge of my husband and mother-in-law. In my late childhood days, I had a chance to stitch my own torned and shattered clothes in my master’s house with the limited skills I had learnt with help of Badeamma. Soon after the marriage, my mother-in-law referred me to her close friend (neighbour) in order to groom
my skills in stitching. The prime motive is to add up family income out of this earnings. However, it has really picked up in terms of business after I enrolled in SHG. While interacting with the other members of my Self Help Group and other Self Help Groups, I have established a good rapport with a number of women who started giving me business.

Name is changed to respect confidentiality *

In the process, I got in touch with few women who use to stitch cloths for outside shops. I appealed them to get orders and thereby started stitching clothes in my house and it became a means of livelihood for my family. The training programme on Entrepreneurial Development Skills have really helped me at that time and I learned the art of business. As months passed by, I have understood the concept of ‘Savings and Credit Management’ and realised that I can access credit facility ranging from Rs.5,000 to Rs.8,000. Suddenly there was a medical emergency in the family, as my mother-in-law had to undergo a hysterectomy. My lazy husband was in a shock and made desperate attempts to support her beloved mother. At that moment, I pat on my husband’s shoulder and shared with him the available alternative to seek credit explaining
him the concept of ‘Self Help Promotion’ initiated by HCHW in our slums. Although surprised he came along with me and together we sought the help of the HCHW-staff who guided us to avail the loan from the group for the medical expenses in the hospital. It was yet difficult for my husband to believe and accept this alternate access to credit facility. Earlier to it, we were used to borrow money only from money lenders paying a huge rate of interest and keeping some security with them. This time there was nothing left to be kept as security with money lenders and the amount required was also huge and that was the major crux of the problem. Ever since this episode I started noticing a tremendous change in the attitude, understanding, thinking and mindset of my husband as well as my mother-in-law. There was also a change in their behaviour towards me. HCHW organizes ‘Capacity Building Programmes’ on areas such as Concept and Management, Book-keeping and Accounts, Banking Rules and Operations, Communication and Leadership skills, Problem solving as well as Collective Decision Making so on and so forth. This made me to think positively towards the approach and on other end enlightened and encouraged us to make optimum utilization of available resources. With a hike in my business, my son had started going to school but my daughter who is elder to him was deprived of education. The reason being very simple that my family members did not accept a girl child going to school. However, they could realize the importance only after intervention of HCHW staff. Later, she was ‘enrolled in school’ with their help. “Today, I proudly feel, SHG fund serves as an alternate source of arrangement for paying school fees and other demands at school,” says Malan. The Capacity Building Programmes on entrepreneurial and management skills have infact helped me to develop my work more in a business form. Looking at growth in business, I was infact suggested by HCHW-staff to submit an ‘Income Generating Project Proposal’ so as to expand it further. In making so, HCHW helped me a lot in preparing the proposal understanding the concept, plan and
execute the business with other women employed with me. Earlier, I was not aware of the different Government Schemes available and would have never dared to visit Government Departments. Basically, it was a myth that the officers would ask money for every small thing and I was quite hesitant to visit their offices. With the appropriate guidance and support of HCHW, we are able to develop ‘linkages with the Government’. In this way, we started meeting officials and pursuing our demands and fulfilling the needs gradually. We are benefited by a lot of schemes available with the Government such as Deepam Scheme (gas connections), roads, houses, pattas, electricity, water, pipe-line, borewells, better sanitation facilities, ration cards, revolving fund and so on.

I was always appreciated by HCHW for my active participation and leadership qualities in the community. Probably this was why they have made me the volunteer and asked me to co-ordinate the activities of ten groups. Now I have been selected as ‘Group Community Organizer’ by the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad. Earlier, I was more or less treated as a maid servant in my own house by my in-laws and dear husband. My work was just to cook, wash clothes, do other household chores, lookafter the children as well as to fulfill the pleasures of my husband. Moreover there was no participation or my say with regard to day-to-day chores and decision making process at large. However, the scenario has changed and today, I have really come a long way. My husband and mother-in-law supports me and seeks my advise, suggestions as well values them a lot in the decision making process at all levels. This really boosts my morale and I am happy with it. Although
I understand this change could perhaps be a result of becoming the source of access to money. Yet, I am happy as I have also learned in the process to use my own control mechanisim whereever and whenever necessary. Today, I have reached the stage where I can see dreams and sure of being realised soon.... Proudly says Malan with a smile on her face.

The Best things of Life . . .
. . . Back to Home Town
Mannu, a tiny child of 10 years belongs to Nibokabirpur, a very remote village far away from Banaras of Uttar Pradesh State. He is third in a row of six siblings of the family. His father works as a daily wage labour in a cement factory and mother is a home-maker. His father is the sole earning member in the family and the mouths are many, to feed. Mannu was studying in IIIrd standard in a Government school. Although the school was not functioning properly, he still continued to go to school. The reason was … the school used to provide mid-day meal to children. This was the only attraction for many other children like Mannu as they all belong to poverty-stricken families. The school stopped the mid-day meal programme and so Mannu also stopped going to school. At the very young age of 10, Mannu was asked to supplement the family’s income. The better
option his parents thought was to send him to Mumbai (Bombay) to work with his maternal uncle. His uncle was a flower vendor. Things worked fast and Mannu reached Mumbai. After a few days, Mannu had seen the ugly face of his uncle who used to abuse and harass him. “Har choti si baat peh, Mama bahut gaali galoj karte the aur maarte bhi the” (for every small
thing, my uncle used to abuse me in filthy language and used to beat me) said Mannu. Day-by-day the harassment by the uncle increased and Mannu could not bear it any more. He wanted to go to his parents but, the uncle did not send him. One fine day, without the knowledge of his uncle, Mannu left the home and reached the Railway station. He boarded a train, without ticket, thinking that it will take him to Banaras. He was very much tired and fell asleep. The next day morning when he woke up, to his surprise and shock he landed in another unknown place …Secunderabad. His struggle to survive started. Gradually, he picked up the street culture and learned to live on street. His life took another turn when he met the street educator of HCHW on the street. Mannu was not interested to go to home as the life on street looked good to him and hence, he was motivated to join the Child Development Centre of HCHW. Here, Mannu found a new world of happy living and joyous childhood. The constant counselling and motivation by the Counsellor made Mannu to think of his family again. He agreed to go back to his family. On 10th December 2004, Mannu was repatriated with his family. Mannu’s joy knew no boundaries when he saw his mother and other siblings. Tears rolled down on his cheeks. The same was with his mother.

My Reminiscences
My name is Bheem Rao Vittal. I do not know when I had come onto the streets and I am unaware of my parents and their whereabouts. I only remember my father is in army and stays away from home most of the time. As a kid, I remember moving from Nampally Dargah to Ganesh Temple for food and sleeping at Secunderabad Railway Station in nights. I have worked earlier as a train bogie cleaner, picking rags from the dustbins, cleaner in a hotel and took many myriad odd jobs. I was a frequent moviegoer, smoking and carefree child often scolded by other elder boys for not bathing and for wearing dirty clothes. I was always a distant observer, at the same time very curious to know what they (street educators of HCHW) talk and do with other children.

Although entered the HCHW-CDC yet it took time for me to respond to the efforts of the social workers. To avoid them, I used to leave Shelter Home early in the morning and turn up late in the evenings. I recall a number of efforts made by HCHW that results in a change and gradually helped in developing an instinct in me to attend school and seek education. It has been a miracle in my life when I was blessed to seek the formal education system through regular schools. Days, months and years have passed away without my realization moving from one class to another.

During 2003-2004 academic year, I have appeared my VII class Public Examinations and secured 405 marks (67%). My joy knew no bounds when I have been one of the topper in the school. It was indeed this hour I realized the fact that I am a student and need to take up serious studies. Presently, I am studying in VIII standard with the consistent support, encouragement of the staff of HCHW. I would have never ever be in this kind of life without their invaluable love, care and concern towards me all these years. I bow and thank each one of them.

Today and everyday I dream in the night that one day I must join army and serve the nation. I do hope my dreams will come true with all your support.

A Role Model
Six years ago, a 12 years old child left his home in search of a better life. He belongs to Bhilai, Madhya Pradesh. His family was disorganized when his father left the family. He lived with his mother and younger brother. It was difficult for his mother to manage the family since she was a homemaker. She got married to another person. The new-father was alcoholic and used to beat the children. Their mother was helpless as three of them depended on the step-father for their survival. The children did not receive the expected love and affection from the new-father. Hence, they did not accept him.

Once, this 12-year-old boy lost his new pair of slippers. His mother had beaten him badly for it. He felt very bad and decided to leave home. He did not know where to go but, he started his journey to an unknown destiny. He is Simhachalam. He lived on streets doing all odd jobs. He moved from one place to another in trains. It was thrilling for him. He landed in Hyderabad. By this time, he was 14 years old. The police found him on streets and referred him to Children’s Home run by the Department of Juvenile Welfare for his rehabilitation. He was released from the home after one month. He came in contact with the street educator of HCHW and was referred to Child Development Centre of HCHW.

He stayed in the CDC for a couple of months and responded towards repatriation with his family. A staff member of HCHW accompanied him to his native place in Madhya Pradesh. His mother gave him warm welcome and wanted to keep him with them. Simhachalam felt happy and reciprocated in a positive manner. Hence, he was left with his family. His happiness did not last long as the step-father was again a problem. After a year, again, Simhachalam had to leave his home.

He came back to Hyderabad directly. He joined the CDC again. By this time he was around 15 – 16 years. This time Simhachalam was helped to join in a vocational training programme to learn Tailoring. “My father was a tailor and hence, I also want to become a tailor” says he. He was given lot of emotional and psychological support by the team of CDC to continue his training. Gradually, he learned the trade with interest. Later, he was given a job placement in a Tailor shop. In no time he became a perfect tailor.

Simultaneously, he was helped again to develop his contacts with family. Things were changing in his family. His mother started preferring him than her husband. He started visiting home regularly. Simhachalam shared that he wants to have his own tailoring shop/unit. HCHW provided a tailoring machine to start his own independent work. And, slowly Simhachalam got separated from the CDC and lives in a rented home in Hyderabad. Today, he is around 18 years old and earns around Rs.5000 per month. Simhachalam has shaped himself as a role model for other children with his persistence, hard work and firm determination.

Change is inenvitable . . .
. . . Depends on Determination
Lakshmi* is infact a live example to prove that hard work and firm determination will definitely yield results. Mother of four children and deserted by her husband, lakshmi used to survive working as a domestic servant in nearby two-three houses. None of her children were enrolled in schools nor she was able to give required attention to the children as a result of work. Survival was indeed becoming difficult for her day-by-day. We remember it was difficult to convince her to join SHG on account of her busy schedule working for households. Having joined the SHG, it is to be appreciated that lakshmi was meticulous and prompt in terms of attending SHG and following the principles and norms. Added to it was her keen interest to ensure a better life for her kids. All these changed her situation in a span of four years to the extent that all her children are in schools today. Having learnt tailoring, she stopped working as maid servant and started her own tailoring centre. Her earnings are above Rs.3000 per month. She is at home and also able to give time to her children. Ofcourse, her previous contacts have helped her in getting the initial business. All these could be possible with the Income Generating Programmes support given by HCHW. Meanwhile, she could avail a number of schemes of the Government. Today, she has her own house with all basic amenities including gas connection under Deepam Scheme. The most wonder twist in her life that happened four months back was the return of her husband. Today, she is happy with her family and business. Her husband is also seriously learning the trade having plan that both of them will together run the business and make a dignified livelihood.

Name is changed to respect confidentiality

Back to Mother’s Lap
JUTTOO, a two and half year old tiny toddler was referred to HCHW through the local police station; the child was kept in Second Home under observation. Soon, it was found that the child neither has developed speech, eating habits nor toilet training. With lot of difficulty one could pick-up the word ‘Bombay’ from shattered murmurs of the child.

Understanding that the child may be a missing one, his photograph was published in the local newspaper and later flashed on the television. However, there was no response. The child was then referred to Juvenile Justice Board of Bombay where he was kept for three consecutive months and efforts were made to find the parents of Juttoo. Failed in their efforts, the board had decided to refer the child back to HCHW.

It was already six months by now, the parents of Juttoo approached the police station to lodge a complaint about missing of Juttoo. Coincidentally, at the same time, they found another person who had come to lodge a complaint about his missing daughter. Listening to the narration of Juttoo’s parents the person recognized and confirmed that Juttoo has been referred to the same police station by himself after keeping the child with him for about one month. Going through the records, the police officials referred the parents to HCHW.

When the child was brought before the parents, there was neither action nor reaction from either of them. There was utter silence for a moment. It was only after the mother approached the child and kept her hand over his head, Juttoo hugged his mother tightly and broke into tears.