Transform Outcomes for Children at Risk In India

MAD is an organisation that dreams that one day, institutionalised children would be able to realise equitable outcomes. We dream about them sailing through school, graduating from college with flying colours, achieving their lofty goals and being welcomed in the main folds of the society with open arms. We dream of their future, a future that we truly believe is bright. With this in mind, we entered yet another season of camps-not just any camp, but the Dream Camp, where every child is encouraged to gain experiential confidence, explore their dreams and experience a holiday ambience.

The motto of this year’s Dream Camps thus being “Future Is Bright” we prepared to embark in what turned out to be an unforgettable journey. Here’s a testimonial from one volunteer in Kolkata who learnt a valuable lesson on beauty, and much more.

“What is beauty?

Is it a handsome face or is it a scenic location? Or is it something as insipid as an immaculate mathematical proof or something as turbulent as love? Well, I learnt what beauty is during this DC.

This year I was in-charge of my own kids, the ones I teach during my Ed-Support classes. Being a mentor to seven kids needs a lot of shuttling and at times it was difficult. So, during the second day I was late for breakfast as a couple of my kids were not ready yet. When I finally reached the dining area I found Rajibul leaning against a pillar at the dining hall.

“Had your breakfast?”, I enquired.

“Yes Ma’am”

Though he tried to imitate the cheer, his eyes betrayed him. I could feel he was hungry. Since it was South Indian breakfast and he wasn’t accustomed to it, he probably didn’t like it. Somehow instinctively I held his arm and said, “Come on! I haven’t had my breakfast and I don’t like having my breakfast alone. Accompany me and have one more idli.”

Although the proposal was not very welcome, he couldn’t refuse. I sat with him throughout and made sure he has a hearty breakfast. The day went on perfectly well. After dinner we all gathered in our family to discuss how the day was. The shares from my kids were quite fulfilling. Lastly, it was Rajibul’s turn, who was huddling close to me. He started with a stammer, “My morning started with breakfast that Ma’am fed me. She gently put every morsel into my mouth and I felt as if my mother was feeding me. No one, except my mother, ever fed me like this.”

Yes he was in tears; so was I. It was no big deal for me. In fact, it seemed rather banal for us who have been fed by our parents or family and friends on numerous occasions. But for these kids, it’s priceless.

It is not extravagance that our kids seek. All they seek is a little love. Trust me, show them what love is and they will show you what loving back is; at the deepest level possible.

This is Beauty.”

Shifting from the idyllic world of Dream Camp, we turn once again to the real world, fierce and competitive, which threatens to swallow everyone who cannot keep up with its rapidity. Some are lucky to receive guidance from well wishers while some are left behind. Knowing that children after leaving shelters can fall back into the same vicious circle again, MAD’s Propel and Aftercare project works tirelessly to stall any such occurrence. The vision is to instate the children-now young adults-back into the mainstream community and providing them with the stability that a job/education offers.

We saw a glimmer of hope in realising this vision on hearing an inspiring story from Lucknow about two such shelter home children-whom we refer to as Propellers.

“Two propellers is Lucknow were set to leave the shelter and had led almost twin lives till that stage. From here on, it appeared as if their lives were going to take two radically different courses-with one propeller being inducted into Aftercare and receiving support from MAD for her college education and the other set to live a quiet life in her village as her parents were unconvinced with the program. However, on seeing their friend’s daughter gain admission in college and doing well, the formerly apprehensive parents of the second girl approached MAD and wished to secure their daughter’s future.

For a minute it seemed like they changed their mind too late-all the colleges were done with their application processes and there was little that we could do. Despite this, the Propel Fellow of the city gathered enough courage to approach the principal of her own college and explained the situation. The principal agreed to admit the propeller, Sonam, but only after meeting her parents. She too, like the parents before her, seemed distrustful.

One meeting later however, the principal gladly admitted Sonam in her college. Now, Sonam and the Propel Fellow go to the same college. Sonam in fact shares accommodation with her wingman (the term used for the assigned mentor for a propeller) and we often get calls from Sonam’s parents inquiring after our health first, and then Sonam’s. Never have I experienced such emotions.”

We live for these stories-stories of heroic struggles, of fighting against the odds and of triumphant wins. With hopes of continuing this streak of success, MAD is preparing to start a brand new year, full of fresh possibilities and new beginnings. The search is on for the brightest minds in 23 cities of this country to come on board as MAD Fellows and lead the way this year. It will then be time for the most crucial time in the organisation’s calendar-recruitment of volunteers.

With miles to go and no sleepiness to deter us, we once again start our journey on this road less travelled, on our way to a bright, bright future!