Education & shelter for homeless children in India

When darkness engulfs

There is nothing more tragic than the loss of one's parents. Without a parental roof, a child is most vulnerable with no love and no protection from the cruelties of this world. Padma lost her parents at a very early age. She was the youngest of three siblings and her family suffered immense trauma and irreparable damage. She was taken in by her neighbours on the pretext that they would take care of her well-being. But very soon, the promise of care was broken and the physical abuse started. She was scolded and beaten mercilessly. She wailed and cried for help. The whole neighbourhood heard her cries everyday but the torture continued. Until one day...

Every dark night ends in a bright day

Padma's neighbours could not bear to hear her cries anymore. Collectively, they complained to the nearest police station. Padma was rescued from the clutches of her neighbours and for sometime put in a government shelter. On hearing her story, a social mobiliser from Rainbow Homes decided to bring her in. Padma was very reticent in the beginning and did not take part in the regular activities of the home. She was counselled and slowly she started taking interest in both studies and extra-curricular activities. She was enrolled in a bridge course to help her reach the level of her age appropriate class. Post completion of the bridge course, Padma was enrolled in an Open School program to enable her to complete her secondary (grade 10) education. 

Reconnecting with her roots

In the meanwhile, a constant effort was on to bring some familial connect back into Padma's life. Padma would refrain from talking about her past but slowly she opened up. She spoke about her elder brothers, the location of her house, and the sufferings of her childhood. The social mobiliser was able to piece together the fragments of information she kept giving and managed to locate her family. After several years of being apart, Padma finally found her family back. She found happiness beyond any measure. 

Towards self reliance

Padma's long struggle is finally over. She has finished her secondary education with 1st class marks and now has a family to call her own. In the meanwhile, she finished a tailoring course at Centre for Social Service in Nagercole. Today, she is pursuing higher education and has a job in Secunderabad (Telangana, India) where she earns Rs. 4000 a month. She still comes during her holidays to the Rainbow Home - the home which gave her a fighting chance to stand on her own.