Yoon*, a five-year-old, is a Senior KG student at the Beacon Learning Center (BLC). It’s a small haven in his world, where education has become a lifeline to a better future.
Hailing from Bihar, his father, a driver, earns Rs. 6000 to 8000 monthly and works only three days a week as a daily wage labourer. Yoon’s father’s irregular work plunges the family into financial instability, leaving them almost half the month without income.
The family’s got more on their plate than just financial struggles. Their home is right next to a big, stinky drain, and there’s garbage piling up everywhere, making it an unsanitary living environment. Nutritious meals are a luxury, with breakfast being a distant memory. Their day begins with a simple cup of tea and a biscuit, and they manage only two meals consisting of rice and dhal or roti and sabzi.
Water, electricity, and gas bills add to their burdens, worsening their financial strain. Not paying these bills, which amount to approximately Rs. 400 for water and Rs. 1700-1800 for electricity, puts their essential services at risk, creating a constant atmosphere of tension. Additionally, the lack of a toilet in their home forces them to use public facilities, and they need to pay Rs. 5 for each use, which adds another layer of inconvenience.
Amid these challenging times, Yoon’s family discovers a beacon of hope. In 2021, a community intern from Vision Rescue went door-to-door, identifying children like Yoon and enrolling them for admission to Vision Rescue’s Beacon Learning Center (BLC) program. The BLC provided Yoon with more than just an education. He received uniforms, educational materials, and a daily meal, ensuring he had the essentials needed for learning. Healthcare services, including medical and dental check-ups, were also provided, ensuring his well-being.
Yoon is excelling at BLC and aspires to become a doctor. Initially, he used to cry about going to BLC, but now, he eagerly prepares himself and expresses enthusiasm about attending school. But now, he attends school regularly, actively engages in all activities, and recognises fruits, vegetables, and numbers. He has even mastered multiplication tables.
His parents, having completed their education up to the 7th standard, play an active role in their children’s studies. Despite their limited education, Yoon’s mother supports her kids with whatever knowledge she has. She explains, “I put my child in BLC because they teach in a fun way. If my child is sick, the CCC (Community Case Counselor) checks on him. Also, the champion comes to our door daily, reminding us to send our kids to school.”
Yoon’s mother, initially confined to the home, discovers a newfound purpose through active engagement in Focus Group Meetings (FGMs) conducted by Vision Rescue. Through these meetings, she not only discovers her interest in tailoring and mehendi courses but also gains essential knowledge in hygiene and sanitation, healthcare, nutrition, awareness of diseases, and women’s development. This newfound empowerment marks a significant shift in the family’s dynamics.
Once limited to household roles, Yoon’s mother now becomes aware of how to better care for her family and advocates for their right to education. The transformative impact of these FGMs radiates through changes in the family’s approach to health, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Yoon is currently undergoing treatment and medication for dental caries, which was identified during a dental camp. The once reluctant school-goer now eagerly prepares himself for school, displaying the spirit of enthusiasm that displays his journey at BLC.
In his words, “BLC is where I learn and play. I used to cry, but now I don’t. I’m happy and I have got a lot of friends. I love my teachers because they make learning fun.” He adds, “I want to be a doctor when I grow up!”
Countless children face similar challenges in the M East Ward of Mumbai and across urban India. Without support, they cannot unlock their full potential, and their aspirations remain unfulfilled.
Yoon’s story is a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can create when we come together to support those in need. Join us in our mission to empower more children like Yoon and their families. Your support can help us create brighter futures and thriving communities.
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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
Partner with Vision Rescue as a donor – www.visionrescue.co.in/donate
