Iqra is a 4-year-old girl with big, curious eyes and an infectious smile. She lives with her parents and five siblings. Iqra’s father works hard as a taxi driver to support the family, while her mother diligently takes care of their home. He earns approximately Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 12,000 per month, which is just enough to provide two meals a day for the family.
They left their home in Bihar, hoping for a better life, and relocated to one of the slum communities in Mumbai. Their house is tiny, cramped, poorly lit, and overcrowded, with no access to natural light. They lack basic necessities like clean water and proper sanitation and are constantly concerned about their children’s education and health.
Their journey with Vision Rescue began years ago when their eldest daughter enrolled in the Beacon Learning Center (BLC). This opportunity unlocked educational possibilities that were once beyond their reach. Today, she is a 6th-grade student studying in a formal BMC school. After her, the other three siblings were also enrolled in BLC.
Iqra’s family went through some tough times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the support of Vision Rescue donors, they could receive essential groceries, which ensured that everyone in their household had enough to eat. Iqra’s mother took a tailoring course offered by Vision Rescue and learned new skills.
In June 2023, Iqra joined BLC Nursery and received essential educational materials, including a lunchbox, school bag, sandals, uniform, and raincoat. These provisions excited her about attending school regularly, and she showed a keen interest in her studies. All the children part of BLC receive dental and medical check-ups twice a year to keep them healthy. Nutritional meals were also provided to every child at BLC, ensuring they had their third meal.
When asked what she wanted to become when she grew up, her eyes lit up with determination, and she exclaimed, “I want to be a teacher so I can help other children learn like me!”
Amazingly, four children from one family were able to receive the benefits of Vision Rescue’s BLC program, making this journey even more special for Iqra. However, the family’s first son was not interested in studies and was involved in bad company and habits. So, his father decided to take a different approach and made the tough decision to let him work instead of attending traditional schooling. This decision allowed the son to sell tea and earn around Rs. 200-300/- a day, giving him a sense of responsibility and a means of earning.
Iqra’s mother says, “Vision Rescue has made a big difference in my life. All my children are happy and are receiving a good education, and I am learning new skills that will help me support my family.”
We are incredibly grateful to our donors for their invaluable support, which has had a real and meaningful impact on the lives of families in need like Iqra’s.
*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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