Ghazi’s* journey began with a troubled start. As a 7-year-old, he was the youngest of five siblings in a family struggling to make ends meet. His father, an illiterate tailor, earned between Rs. 7000 to Rs. 9000 each month, while his mother, educated only till the 8th grade, earned a living as a vegetable seller, making around Rs. 200 to 250 per day. Their unpredictable income was never enough to feed the hungry mouths at home.
Ghazi’s parents had been married at a young age, going against their families’ wishes and without any support. The weight of raising five children fell heavily on their young shoulders, as unstable jobs and meagre pay were the only means of survival. Ghazi’s mother worked tirelessly, doing odd jobs like housekeeping and caring for sick patients. Despite their efforts, the family faced severe financial struggles, making education seem like a distant dream for the children. Each day was a constant battle for survival, with the future seeming uncertain and bleak.
This family of seven resides in the impoverished slum community of Mumbai. A dirty creek runs through the neighbourhood, clogged with garbage and constantly overflowing. With over 5000 homes in the community, only two public toilets are available. As a result, many people resort to defecating in open areas.
In the midst of this turmoil, Ghazi stood out as the problem child. Despite his parents’ best efforts, he showed no interest in studies or education. Instead, he preferred to wander the stinky and dirty streets. His clothes were often torn and tattered, evidence of his frequent involvement in fights with other neighborhood kids. And when he wasn’t fighting, he was sneaking into homes and stealing whatever caught his eye. However, his four siblings attended school regularly.
The Vision Rescue’s Community Case Counsellor (CCC) met the family while surveying to enroll non-school-going children and dropouts to school. Our Community Case Counsellor (CCC) spoke with Ghazi’s parents about the need to educate their son. After countless counselling sessions, Ghazi finally agreed to join the Beacon Learning Center (BLC) in June 2019.
Ghazi’s transition to the new environment was rocky. He struggled to adapt, was irregular, and showed no interest in learning. He often found himself drawn towards mischief, causing trouble in the classroom. The BLC teachers were put to the test every day as they worked tirelessly to keep him interested and participating in classes. It took years of patient guidance from the BLC teachers to witness a transformation in Ghazi. Slowly but steadily, he progressed from being a mischievous, slow learner to a Grade II student. Every morning, he wakes up, dresses quickly, and heads to BLC on his own, without any nagging from his parents. At BLC, he was not only provided with basic education but also received nutritious meals for physical development.
Through dedicated counseling sessions, Ghazi’s challenging behavioral issues were addressed. These included frequent fights with both siblings and friends, as well as a tendency towards stealing. The impact of these sessions was profound – Ghazi gradually got rid of his addictive habits, became more dedicated to attending school regularly, and engaged in fewer conflicts. Bit by bit, he transformed into a calmer, more self-aware version of himself.
The family was already struggling when the COVID-19 lockdown hit, making things even more difficult. They faced job losses and a sudden decrease in income. However, Vision Rescue stepped in to help. Throughout the pandemic, your gifts reached out to Ghazi’s family with groceries and hearty, nutritious snacks for the children. Our healthcare team raised awareness about the coronavirus, hygiene and the importance of using masks and sanitizers through online videos. Ghazi’s parents were encouraged to get their COVID-19 vaccine shots too!
Ghazi’s mother, now a Champion, actively participates in all Focus Group Meetings (FGMs) in the community, taking time out of her busy schedule. During the rainy season, the kind assistance of Vision Rescue (VR) lifted the family’s spirits as they received protective plastic sheets. These simple yet essential items kept their home and belongings dry during the heavy downpours.
Ghazi says he wants to grow up and be an army officer someday. As our founder, Biju Thampy, always says, “We can’t take the children out of the slums, but we can take the slum out of their minds.” Vision Rescue plans to enroll Ghazi in a formal school, paving the way for education and a brighter future.
Like Ghazi, there are many children in the slum communities who miss out on their right to education. We at Vision Rescue extend support to the families in whatever way we can so their children can engage and sustain in education. We thank you, dear donors, that we can help them restore their dignity and move forward progressively through your support.
*Names Changed to Protect Privacy
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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
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