In the impoverished slums of the city, a heavy sense of hopelessness lingered in the air like a dark cloud. Its burden was tangible, casting a long shadow over the lives of Raghu’s* family.
Raghu’s hands were rough, stained from years of gruelling labour. But the true weight he carried was his addiction to drugs, a burden that clung to him like a heavy load, impossible to shake off. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t break free from its relentless cycle. His wife, who used to be lively and energetic, was now trapped in a different type of addiction. She turned to tobacco for comfort, the tangy taste often lingering in the air with its unpleasant smell. This habit was formed out of stress and anxiety, an attempt to find peace in a world constantly trying to tear her apart.
Addiction had trapped Raghu and his wife in a never-ending cycle, casting a shadow on every aspect of their lives. It distorted their thoughts and decisions, leading them down a path of hopelessness. It stripped away their pride and self-esteem, leaving them lost in a world of misery.
Illiterate and burdened by addiction, they struggled to make ends meet for their large family of five children. Among them was Dhriti*, the lively fourth child, her eyes shining with curiosity and determination.
Raghu makes only Rs.10,000/- to support all seven family members. Every day was a struggle to survive, with the constant worry of food, shelter, and basic needs. The weight of financial burdens sat heavily on their shoulders, making it difficult to see any hope for the future. Every month brought new challenges as they tried to scrape together enough money to pay rent and keep up with bills, constantly living on the edge of financial stability.
Years ago, when Vision Rescue first established in this community, Raghu’s family got connected to our Community Case Counselor (CCC). The CCC discovered that the children were not attending school because of financial difficulties faced by their parents. It was Dhriti’s older sibling who took the first step towards a brighter future by enrolling in the Vision Rescue’s BLC (Beacon Learning Center). As time passed, each of Raghu’s children, including Dhriti, found a safe haven and promising opportunities within the supportive environment of the BLC. He says, “Every day feels like a battle, but seeing my children thrive gives me the strength to keep fighting.”
Dhriti, at the age of four, embarked on her educational journey, starting in Junior KG in 2022 and now progressing to Senior KG. With the unwavering support of donors like you, Dhriti received all the essential educational materials, from books to bags, uniforms to shoes, and even a tiffin box filled with nourishing meals. Her eyes sparkle as she talks about her time at BLC. She excitedly tells that she has made many friends in her class. They spend their days playing and learning together, eagerly taking their meals home to share with their families.
Vision Rescue ensures that every child at BLC gets healthy, nutritious meals. Also, all the children part of BLC receive dental and medical check-ups twice a year to keep them healthy. Dhriti’s mother says, “Vision Rescue gave us hope in tough times, showing my children a better life.”
Community engagement played a significant role in transforming Dhriti’s family. Her mother participates in Focus Group Meetings (FGM), covering various topics, including good parenting, family planning, the Right to Education (RTE), menstruation, and nutrition for women. Also, she attended Vision Rescue’s training sessions on deworming, mouth cancer, and AIDS awareness, which empowered her with knowledge and awareness.
Encouraged by the CCC, Dhriti’s mother embarked on a journey of self-discovery through a vocational tailoring course offered by Vision Rescue. With newfound skills, she started sewing her own blouses and stitching dresses for her children. She is practicing her learned skills so that she can take orders and support her family through her skills and fulfil the dreams of her children. She joyfully shares, “Thank you, Vision Rescue and CCC, for everything. Learning these skills has been a blessing, you’ve changed our lives for the better.”
In the future, Vision Rescue plans to provide further support to the family. The CCC will offer counselling to help them overcome addiction challenges. We’ll also continue to support Dhriti’s mother in her tailoring skills, empowering her to further support her family’s needs. Lastly, we aim to enroll Dhriti in formal school in the upcoming year.
The power of one child to inspire change radiates through the entire family and community. Witnessing Dhriti and her siblings attend BLC has had an impact on her cousins and 2 of them have also enrolled into BLC. The ripple effect of one child has spread far beyond her own household. Kudos to Raghu and his wife for being pioneers in this positive change.
Thank you, dear donors. Your generous support can change the lives of children like Dhriti and their families. Together, we can provide opportunities for more children to receive education, access nutritious meals, and break the cycle of poverty. Your support is crucial in making a positive impact on their lives. Join us in our mission to empower more children like Dhriti.
*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
Join us as a volunteer – www.visionrescue.co.in/volunteer
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