The Context: Born amongst avid poverty in one of the slums of West Bengal, Arun (Name changed to protect identity) was sixth child in a family of eight. With such a large family and limited sources of income, the family migrated to Delhi in hope of better livelihood in 1995.
The Issue: Immediate aftermath for Arun was that he had to leave his school and had to support his family financially. With no alternative, he entered into unhygienic work of rag picking in one of the slums adjoining Jahangirpuri (North-west Delhi).
Prayas:His toil for livelihood would have continued but to his fortune he came in contact with volunteers working with Prayas who round the clock conduct social survey identifying out-of-school children in the slum community. After identifying him, his family was contacted and motivated that he should be sent to one of the Prayas NFE (non-formal education) centre close-by.
Hope:
Arun a class tenth drop out then appeared for the Matriculation examination through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) and with sheer will, hardwork and determination he cleared the Board with flying colours and further completed his graduation from one of the prestigious colleges of Delhi University (Hindu College). In the meanwhile he also worked as a volunteer with Prayas Childline 1098, as he wanted other children in distress to change their life the same way as he had done his. After completing his Master’s in social work (MSW) from Indore school of social work, Bhopal, he has joined Prayas as Assistant coordinator and is enjoying his new assignment. His example is one of many successes which Prayas has had with children in similar circumstances. Our endevour to empower such underprivileged children would continue and we would like that people with similar zeal and mission could join us and support our efforts both morally and financially so that this world could become a better place for these marginalized children.