Irfan*, an 11-year-old boy, has grown through many difficulties to become a bright and active child today. His early life was filled with challenges. His mother had been working in the red-light area of Bhiwandi, while his father had abandoned the family. With no one to care for him, Irfan was first left at his grandmother’s house in Nasik, but there too he was neglected. He had no access to education or proper care. Eventually, his mother brought him to Bhiwandi, hoping to care for him herself, but their situation was difficult. He was surrounded by unsafe conditions, poverty, and no opportunity to study.
In 2021, his mother, who was connected with Sahaara’s Parivartan project, was advised by the team to admit Irfan to Mahima Hostel. Understanding it was the best step for her son, she agreed. When Irfan joined Mahima, he was welcomed into a safe and caring environment. The hostel provided him with everything he needed—food, clothing, medical care, and a secure place to live. He was enrolled in an English-medium school and received additional help through remedial classes to build his reading and writing skills.
Irfan was very quiet in the beginning and found it difficult to adjust to hostel life. But with care and support from the staff and friendships with other children, he slowly became more confident. Sadly, a year later, Irfan started having severe stomach pain and was unable to eat properly. He would vomit whatever he ate. After many tests and visits to hospitals, he was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The hostel team stood by him through this time, getting him treatment from leading doctors. Over time, his health improved, and he returned to school and hostel activities.
Since then, Irfan has made remarkable progress. He scored 69% in his last annual exams and was selected as Class Monitor in school. He enjoys sports like football and cricket and loves indoor games. He has also developed his independence, creativity, and social skills. He attends counselling and mentoring sessions regularly and follows the advice given.
Irfan says, “I find Mahima to be a second home and am very grateful to all the staff of Sahaara for taking care of me.” His mother, who is now remarried and no longer in the trade, visits him every quarter and talks to him weekly over the phone. She proudly shared, “The quality of care provided to my child is very good, and I find Sahaara to be a great organization. I am glad to hear reports of how my child is doing whenever I come for the quarterly meetings.”
Irfan dreams of becoming a police officer when he grows up, and with continued support from Sahaara, that dream is now within his reach.
(*Names changed to protect identities.)