Namita* was born in a red-light area in Mumbai where her mother worked. Her early years were spent alone at home, with no one to care for her while her mother was away. There was no chance to play safely, no regular meals, and no one to help her learn or understand her emotions. She had no access to education and missed out on what every child deserves—love, safety, and the chance to grow in a good environment.
One day, Sahaara’s Parivartan team came to the community and met her mother. They began visiting often and patiently encouraged her to think about Namita’s future. Slowly, her mother started attending Sahaara’s adult literacy classes. Through many conversations, she understood that a safe place like the Krupalay Girls’ Hostel could help Namita get the care and learning she needed. Finally, when Namita was six, her mother took the difficult but brave step to enrol her into the hostel.
When Namita first arrived, she was quiet and cried a lot. She missed her mother, didn’t talk to other children, and found it hard to settle. The hostel team gave her special attention. She was enrolled in an English-medium school and received extra tuition every day. Sahaara also arranged for a counsellor to meet her once a month. This helped Namita slowly talk about her feelings and feel safe. She was also part of life skills sessions, where she learned about hygiene, self-care, and how to manage her feelings. A mentor worked with her closely, helping her feel more confident.
Bit by bit, Namita began to change. She started playing with the other girls, smiling more, and even trying out music and art. Her teachers noticed that she was slowly opening up. At the hostel, she was looked after physically too—she ate well and especially enjoyed the food served there.
In school, Namita struggled at first. But the teachers and hostel staff kept encouraging her. Now, she scores very well and is a distinction holder. She enjoys reading and painting. “I like painting because I have many pictures in my mind I want to show the world,” she says.
Namita still speaks to her mother every week on the phone. When her mother visits, she proudly tells her about school and hostel life. Her mother says, “I am thankful to Sahaara. They gave my daughter what I never got—a real chance.”
Today, Namita is confident, cheerful, and dreams of becoming a teacher. She also wants to help feed the hungry one day. Her journey shows how, with the right support, a child can truly grow and shine.
(Names changed to protect identities.)