Next to the bustling railway tracks near the Zakhira slum community lies a small shanty made from discarded clothes. This humble abode is the home of seven-year-old Kishan and his parents. With barely enough space for three people to lie down, the shanty offers little protection from the elements, especially during the monsoon rains. The entire structure shakes violently with the frequent passing of trains, adding to the instability of their living conditions.
Kishan’s family migrated to the Zakhira slum four years ago from a village in Uttar Pradesh. Kishan’s father had previously lived in Zakhira but returned to his village when he found it difficult to sustain himself in Delhi. In their struggle to survive, Kishan’s father now collects garbage and plastic from the railway tracks, but unfortunately, spends all his earnings on alcohol. His mother, suffering from severe anger issues due to a head injury sustained in childhood, can barely speak. The family relies heavily on the support of the slum community to make ends meet.
The Asha team, informed by the slum dwellers about the family’s plight, visited them and provided regular ration supplies specially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, Kishan was very withdrawn and did not interact with anyone. However, with the encouragement of Asha team leader Shainey, Kishan began visiting the Asha center. Over time, he became more active, made many friends, and started attending meetings of Asha’s children’s association.
With Asha’s motivation, Kishan’s mother has started receiving treatment at a nearby government hospital and has now secured a part-time job in a nearby factory. This development has brought some stability to the family.
Asha’s team worked tirelessly to motivate Kishan’s parents to admit him to school, but they initially refused, citing the lack of identity cards. Undeterred, the Asha team and its ambassadors visited the family every day, emphasizing the importance of education. Their persistence paid off, and they helped Kishan’s parents start the process of obtaining the necessary documents for school admission.
While awaiting his admission to a nearby government school, Kishan visits the Asha center daily, where he learns alphabets and numbers. He has become a happy boy, filled with hope and dreams for a better future. Kishan’s parents are also pleased with his progress and are supportive of his education at the Asha center.
There are hundreds of children like Kishan who need our support for a better life and future. Please donate at https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3.
