The Journey So Far
Prior to Shibu and Elizabeth’s intervention, most of the boys in ‘Sapera Basti’ used to smoke bidis and cigarettes, drink alcohol and chew tobacco. Their parents, born and brought up under similar social circumstances, thought of it as part of growing up. Instead of getting ready for the school, the boys spent their mornings begging for food (flour) and the girls collected firewood to fire the chulha. Child marriage was also a common practice among the slum dwellers (sometimes fixed at the birth of a child).
The appalling unhygienic surroundings and living conditions scared away the few good souls willing to help.
The classes which were held under a tree helped Elizabeth and Shibu earn the community’s trust. The thought that someone cared made them appreciate the positive message the two were trying to convey. One of the slum dwellers thus provided a small piece of land where the couple built a makeshift classroom. They also happened to spot Pooja amongst these kids, a bright young girl who now studies in a school with their own children.
Gradually, the children got engaged in the classroom activities which reduced the frequency of begging and hence the anti-social influences. Consequently, the problem of substance abuse also declined. The community also became more aware of the importance of cleanliness. They now pay closer attention to what their children are doing and are more concerned about their future. Elizabeth also talked to married couples about the benefits of having a small family. Thereafter some of them assented to birth-control measures.
One day the children were not particularly enthusiastic in their responses in the class. Upon enquiring, Elizabeth realized that not a single child had had any food. From that day onwards, the couple have tried their best to provide some meals to the children after the classes, economic means allowing. Fortunately enough, some people help on and off for the monthly food ration. Acquaintances and friends sometimes donate their old clothes, which are then distributed in the community according to each family’s needs.
Elizabeth and Shibu try to get their hands over whatever meagre resources become available and use them for community's own "Special Kids"..!
The appalling unhygienic surroundings and living conditions scared away the few good souls willing to help.
The classes which were held under a tree helped Elizabeth and Shibu earn the community’s trust. The thought that someone cared made them appreciate the positive message the two were trying to convey. One of the slum dwellers thus provided a small piece of land where the couple built a makeshift classroom. They also happened to spot Pooja amongst these kids, a bright young girl who now studies in a school with their own children.
Gradually, the children got engaged in the classroom activities which reduced the frequency of begging and hence the anti-social influences. Consequently, the problem of substance abuse also declined. The community also became more aware of the importance of cleanliness. They now pay closer attention to what their children are doing and are more concerned about their future. Elizabeth also talked to married couples about the benefits of having a small family. Thereafter some of them assented to birth-control measures.
One day the children were not particularly enthusiastic in their responses in the class. Upon enquiring, Elizabeth realized that not a single child had had any food. From that day onwards, the couple have tried their best to provide some meals to the children after the classes, economic means allowing. Fortunately enough, some people help on and off for the monthly food ration. Acquaintances and friends sometimes donate their old clothes, which are then distributed in the community according to each family’s needs.
Elizabeth and Shibu try to get their hands over whatever meagre resources become available and use them for community's own "Special Kids"..!