From filling boulder stones to improved school attendance: A story of a children coming out of Child Labour
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snowstagco
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| Background | In a far-off village, Sheikhpora, of Anantnag district, located at 77 kms from Srinagar city, a 12-year-old boy, Anaam, was facing various challenges due to poverty and other difficult circumstances at home. He lived with his family, comprising of his ill father and mother. The family resided in a tin shed due to lack of any decent house. Facing health issues in the kidneys, his father is on medication from last three years and not able to work. His mother also suffered from a blood clot in her head and underwent a surgery in 2023. The medical expenses and father’s inability to work has further impoverished the family. As a result, Anaam, has been working to fill boulder stones in the nearest stream to contribute to family. |
| Interventions | A care plan was developed tailored to his needs. Family counselling sessions were done to help the family deal with stress and build on the positive parenting practices. HUF also provided Anaam, with a kit of new clothing and a food kit for the family, and the CPG intermittently provided cash assistance to support his education and bolster the morale of family. As housing was a pressing concern, their application was submitted to Block Development Office for housing assistance, which was sanctioned. With assistance of INR 150000, the family was able to construct a new house. A local mentor was arranged to help Anaam, in his studies. His progress is being monitored and regular counselling sessions done at home.
Annam has also been linked with a local NGO which is providing INR 1000 per month from January 2014 onwards, and this support will continue for a year. To sustain financial support for his studies and basic needs, application was also submitted to District Child Protection Unit for sponsorship under Mission Vatsalya. |
| Outcome | Anaam found a renewed sense of hope for the future. As Anaam has a separate room in his house now to concentrate on his studies, and with the support from mentor, his learning and attendance at school has improved. He has also been safeguarded from child labour. |
