By Vidya | Outreach Worker
I'm Vidya, one of the outreach workers at Railway Children India. Together with my colleagues, we’re there around the clock, day in and day out – searching railway station platforms keeping children safe and protecting them from unimaginable risks.
In my role I see the complexities surrounding children on the street – the troubles they face on the streets and the solutions that come from being part of a safe, secure family. That’s why we don't just protect them at railway stations across India, but also work hard to reunite children with their families where we can and find homes in alternative family-based care where we can’t.
I know the difference it makes for children to be found and protected at a station and returned safely back home, away from the dangers of the streets and cared for by their family. Children like Laila, who I met – scared and alone – at Nagaloi Railway Station, aged just 11.
The first thing Laila needed was to know she was not alone.
It was apparent, from what Laila told us, that there were problems at home. Laila was desperate to attend school but was kept too busy with chores. She felt her parents didn’t understand her, and it was clear she wasn’t receiving the emotional care and support she needed.
Supporting families to support their children
As is so often the case in our work with vulnerable children, it was necessary to support Laila’s family so that they, in turn, could support Laila. Through regular sessions with her parents, we helped them understand their daughter’s emotional needs and emphasised the importance of her attending school. We also arranged counselling to help Laila deal with her problems and move forward.
By working with not only Laila, but the entire family, we can make sure they don't just stay together, but thrive together. Today, through regular follow-ups and support, Laila is nurtured, enjoying school and looking forward to the future
Laila’s story shows the difference a stable, supported family can make to a safe and happy childhood. Thanks to your support we were there to not only protect her from harm when she was most at risk, but support her and her family into a safer, happier future together - thank you.
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