Hari’s* mother committed suicide when he was 2 years. Since then, Hari who is now 6 years old and his sister Asima, live with their 65-year-old paternal grandmother as Hari’s father became an alcoholic shortly after his mother passed away. When his father is at home, he physically and emotionally abuses his family, including his aging mother. Once he even hurt her with a knife. Growing up with the trauma of his mother’s death and his fathers’ violent behavior had become part of Hari’s life.
Hari’s grandmother works seasonally at Mumbai’s Ferry Wharf which is about 30 minutes away from their slum. There she cleans fish that are later sold in the market. Due to her age, the nature of her work and the low income, she is unable to clean the house or cook two square meals for the family. Their house is mostly dingy because of pending electricity bills. It’s a kutcha house (not concrete) made of tin, a common dwelling type in their slum. Often the rent is delayed as the grandmother can pay it off only when she gets an opportunity to work. The siblings stayed unsupervised for long hours during the day when both father and grandmother were away. But not anymore!
In June 2022, Hari’s grandmother was introduced to Vision Rescues Education Program during our community survey for new admissions. She happily enrolled her grandchildren in our Beacon Learning Centre (BLC). Hari stepped into school for the first time. The children received their starter kits with school bags, books, and uniforms. They also received medical and dental checks that are a part of the admission procedure. The children receive a lunch tiffin on their way out from school daily which is a boon to the family who can barely afford one meal a day.
To read more about what we provide the children at the BLC click here https://visionrescue.co.in/why-education/
Though Hari was enrolled in school, his attendance was poor. With no one to supervise him when his grandmother went to work, on some days he just would not go to school. The teacher counseled his grandmother about the importance of attending school regularly and she took the teacher’s advice seriously. Hari’s attendance improved, and since then there was no turning back.
Now Hari excels in both academics and sports. He won two prizes on sports day and got an A+ in his annual exam. “Hari loves to interact with everyone in class. In Fact he likes to talk a lot,” says his teacher. This year he will transition from Nursery to Junior Kindergarten and his sister will move on to grade II. His grandmother says that Hari is now self-motivated to go to school daily and she has noticed significant improvement in his behavior. “Hari speaks more respectfully, dresses neatly and enjoys being in a school.” says his Case Counselor.
Like Hari there are many children in the slum who lack parental guidance and supervision. Our education program right within the community enables these families to send their children to school within the safety of their slum till they are old enough and equipped to go to formal school. Thanks to you dear donors as your donations allow these children to be engaged and sustained in quality education.
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Vision Rescue exists to rescue children from all forms of exploitation by engaging and sustaining them in education. We are a registered NGO for child education under the Bombay Public Trust Act 1950.
You too can partner with Vision Rescue to empower people to find their purpose, enjoy their rights and live with dignity
Join us as a volunteer – www.visionrescue.co.in/volunteer
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