Support excluded kids with disabilities in India

Oishi's father shares his joy at having seen his daughter transformed by the support of this project. He shares:

"We never knew there were so many effective treatments until we came to Bhalabosa ('Loving Home'). We thank the person whom we met at Baruipur Hospital, it was because of him that we came to know about this project. Before here, it was really difficult for us to take our daughter for treatement for her Cerebal Palsy. I'm a daily wage labourer, so we live hand to mouth. Travelling such a distance to the hospital prevented me from earning for our family. I didn't know how to achieve both- to help my daughter and to feed my family. 

The best thing about this project is that my daughter is getting the best treatment under one roof. The staff and doctors are very helpful and tell us what is going on. They are friendly and well experienced. Oishi is doing much better than before and I have no more worries about the care she's receiving; she is achieving more and reaching her potential. Thank you!"

Your support has helped end this father's impossible dilemma of choosing between care for his daughter and feeding his family. Thank you for making both possible! 

In the busy streets of Baripur market, our partners spotted Bensari* on the ground begging. A six year old girl with a musculoskeletal disorder, Bensari was asking passers by for food for her and her family. She was alone in the bustling street and our partners located Bensari’s parents. Out of desperation and a lack of options for basic survival, they were using Bensari and her physical needs to make ends meet. 

This is a challenging but not unusual circumstance for our partners, who work in their local communities to reach children with disabilities. These children are often otherwise at risk of exploitation or neglect. Through a gradual process of engagement with Bensari’s family, our partners took the child to their centre with her parents. They showed the difference proper facilities, physiotherapy, and support could have for their daughter. Through this process, our partners learned more of the desperate situation the family was in. They had come to Baripur so that Bensari could beg, their circumstances had worsened during the pandemic lockdowns. With our partners developing a relationship with the family, Bensari’s parents saw the advantages of their daughter being given proper support. Bensari has gone from crawling to walking. She has discovered a love for study and nursery rhymes. 

Our partners helped Bensari begin to reach her potential and her parents’ attitudes have changed towards her disability. They are now continuing their own employment rather than earning from Bensari begging. They shared with our partners ‘We have been harsh and we regret what we have done. We want our daughter to get the proper care and attention which she has been deprived of till now. We are very happy with the love, care, and affection that our daughter Bensari is getting from this project. We think ourselves blessed with the transformation that has come in our lives and it was only because of Bhalobasha that we could save our daughter Bensari.’

Your support has meant Bensari has moved from a life of exploitation to one where she can reach her personal potential and have a childhood. Thank you so much. 

*name changed