By Rahul Thomas | Coordinator - Donors
Sahaara believes that every person has a dream, and our work centers around ensuring that marginalized persons are able to articulate and work towards achieving their dream. Children in observation homes are one of the most marginalized populations in Mumbai.
The children who live in these Homes come from different states of India and are educated in a Marathi medium school run by the Home. The language difference makes it difficult for them to learn. Remedial education helps in coaching the children in the Marathi language as well as their school subjects thereby helping them understand what they are learning and maintaining their interest to continue education once discharged from the Home.
Sahaara staff procures addresses of discharged children from the home authorities. The social workers then traverse through labyrinthine gullies of Mumbai slums searching for the children’s residences. Through such home visits, networking with local schools, facilitating assistance in books and materials, the child is facilitated entry into formal education paving the way to a bright future.
Manali is a 9 year old girl, getting back to her happy life through learning and socializing with others int he Home
Manali was born in the month of November, 2005 and is currently studying in the 3rd grade. She lived with her two brothers and parents in a rented accommodation in Bhandup. She was unschooled. Her mother worked as a domestic help while her father struggled with alcohol abuse and was unemployed.
The result of this was her parents constantly had fights and her father used to beat up her mother over the issue of money. To make sure he got money to continue his habit. Manali’s father used to send her out to beg on the streets while the mother was away. One day, while she was begging on the streets her uncle saw her, took her home, found out all that was happening and went and told her mother. When she got to know this she left her husband, who went back to his village with the two sons. Manali stayed with her mother.
Manali’s mother would leave every morning for work and return only by late evening – seeing this lifestyle one of her acquaintances spoke to her about admitting Manali in a Home. Her mother applied to the court for her admission and in 2011 Manali was admitted to the Bal Kalyan Nagri in Mankhurd, a suburb of Mumbai.
Sahaara met with Manali here. Initially she was a very reserved child and refused to mingle with other children. She did not speak with anyone and was fearful of adults. Since she had not been schooled at all, she did not know to read or write and she would have absolutely no recollection of what was taught to her the precious day.
The Sahaara staff put in a lot of effort to engage with her and help her learning process. They used various methods like personal attention, flashcards, games, activities, counseling as well as giving her responsibilities in class to distribute and, later on gather, books and pencils. Her fear in interacting with adults stemmed from the fact that her father used to beat her and force her to go begging.
But those days are long gone! She now interacts with the staff and mingles with other children too! She has learnt to read and write and copes very well with her studies!
She enjoys dance and wants to grow up to be a doctor.
Your generous donations have enabled Sahaara to provide what is necessary for Rakesh to continue his education and have an opportunity to dream of a better tomorrow!
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By Rahul Thomas | Coordinator - Donors
By Rahul Thomas | Coordinator - Donors
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