Stories of Change

Abandoned at only 6 years of age, a small Jakir was forced to move into his aunt’s all by himself. Unable to care for him, Jakir’s aunt handed him over to the police wherefrom he was handed over to the Child Welfare Committee.

Jakir was then placed at Ashirbad Boys’ Home in 2015 after being transferred from another child care institution. Here, Jakir was provided with all the necessary steps to ensure his holistic care and development. He was enrolled in formal school and encouraged to take up sports and other co-curricular activities. Additionally, psychosocial support was also extended to Jakir.

Gradually, Jakir started taking an active interest in the activities around him. He enjoyed sports, especially Karate. At the International Karate Competition held in July 2024, Jakir won 3 gold medals and one bronze medal across different categories.

Jakir is now a thriving middle-schooler. His merit and determination are inspiring.

Sabita Mohanty, a 45-year-old woman, was rescued by Anandapur Police from homelessness and provided temporary shelter at MCCU. Medical evaluation revealed dehydration, low haemoglobin, weakness, and other health issues. Initially, Sabita exhibited severe depression, self-talk, hallucinations, and refusal to eat or drink. She was admitted to HOPE Hospital for saline treatment and later received medication from a physician, stabilizing her physically. However, her mental health concerns persisted.

Provisional diagnosis of schizophrenia was made by the Institute of Psychiatry's doctor, and medication continued. After three months, Sabita began interacting with others, attending counselling sessions, and participating in household tasks, vocational classes, and recreational activities. Her background revealed that she was an ex-staff nurse at Ruby General Hospital, holding several nursing degrees from a reputed Odisha hospital. She shared that after her estrangement from her partner she had experienced severe distress leading to mental health issues.

Following advocacy with Balasore Police Station, Sabita’s father reunited with her, and she was restored to her family in September, in the presence of Anandapur PS personnel. Before leaving, Sabita requested three months' worth of medication, acknowledging its importance for her mental health. She expressed gratitude, committing to re-join work and support her family, particularly her elderly parents. Post-restoration, Sabita confirmed that she had started working again and expressed her gratitude.

Sabita’s remarkable transformation inspired others, demonstrating resilience and the impact of comprehensive support. Collaboration between healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and social workers ensured her recovery, highlighting the importance of community intervention in mental health cases.

Malka experienced severe physical and mental abuse while she stayed with her family. She was also sexually abused. Malka informed her mother about the situation. However, her concerns were dismissed. Helpless and hopeless, Malka ran away from her home. She was soon rescued by the police and produced before the Child Welfare Committee. She was then placed at one of HOPE’s residential child care centres to ensure her safety and protection.

At the residential child care centre, she received all kinds of support. She gradually recovered and participated in different activities. Malka also joined the tailoring unit to gain more skills. She was also enrolled in class X under the National Institute of Open Schooling Board to complete her education.

After she turned 18, Malka started residing at Ashaneer Women’s Home (Hope Hostel). Here, she continued receiving support. She joined HOPE Café as a trainee and trained there for 6 months. After completing her training, she got a job at a café.

She is now earning and lives in a rented accommodation. Malka’s story is that of courage and determination.

Raju, a young boy, lived on the streets with his mother and sisters. His mother worked as a house-help, struggling to make ends meet. Though enrolled in school, Raju spent his days gambling and getting into trouble. He preferred earning quick money that gave him a sense of independence. Raju’s behaviour and actions greatly worried his family.

Everything changed when the Child Watch team found him on the streets. Raju admitted he'd dropped out of school and had no interest in returning. Instead, he wanted to live the way he had been. Encouraged by the Child Watch Tea, the worried family placed Raju in a rehabilitation center. They hoped a structured environment would bring guidance to his life.

Over time Raju’s outlook began to shift. The routine at the rehabilitation centre though challenging at first gradually brought stability. Raju started to engage in various activities such as meditation, games, and education.

After three months, Raju returned home a different person—physically and emotionally transformed. No longer interested in gambling or quick money, he was eager to continue his studies. Today, Raju attends school regularly. His future is full of promise.

Roshan belongs to an economically vulnerable family. His father works as a driver and is the sole earning member of the family. Roshan is a first-generation learner of his family. Without any support or encouragement from home, Roshan struggled to keep up with school. Even though he was enrolled in school, Roshan had a significant learning gap.
Hope Kolkata Foundation teachers soon intervened in the school and conducted an ASER test to determine Roshan’s learning level. The test revealed that Roshan could not identify letters or numbers. To help Roshan overcome the learning gap, the teachers developed an individual plan.
The child was also guided to regularly practise a specially designed workbook named “Amar Bondhu”. Different child friendly, attractive teaching learning helped to interest Roshan in classroom activities. Gradually, the child found interest in attending school.
After 1 year of continuous support, Roshan has shown remarkable progress in his academics. He is now in class V. The child who was once unable to identify letters and numbers can now read Bengali and English stories with fluency. Roshan can also solve simple mathematical problems with ease. He has now achieved the basic proficiency level as per the ASER tool.

Ishu, a 5-year-old girl child, has a severe level of cerebral palsy. She belongs to a marginalised family. Her father is the only earning member of the family. Ishu’s mother is a homemaker.
When Ishu was six months old, doctors noticed delayed development and other symptoms which they later diagnosed as severe cerebral palsy. The doctors then suggested immediate physiotherapy and speech therapy for the child. Since the family struggled financially they could not afford private healthcare for the child. Thus, they went to a government hospital for the therapy. However, Ishu struggled to make any noticeable improvement here.
When Ishu’s parents attended an awareness programme organised by Hope Kolkata Foundation, they got to know about Brian’s Way Resource Centre. They immediately enrolled Ishu at Brian’s Way (North). Here, Ishu was thoroughly assessed. Accordingly, she attended physiotherapy and speech therapy.
Gradually, with intensive and continuous support from Brian’s Way, within a span of ten months Ishu improved significantly. Her parents were overjoyed to see the progress their daughter had made. They now express their heartfelt relief and gratitude.

Raghav is a 4-year old boy who lives with his family in a rented place near Bhagar, a dumping area. The small boy has always been excited to come to the creche.
However, soon Raghav started exhibiting hostile behaviour towards his other friends and classmates. Teachers promptly intervened. Using positive reinforcement techniques, storytelling activities and role-play, the teachers encouraged Raghav to modify his behaviour.
Very soon Raghav took to these new activities. Gradually, his behaviour improved, and he interacted very well with all his friends and teachers. Now, Raghav is the class monitor. He is a happy, proud, independent and obedient child.

Rikta, a 13-year-old girl, lived in a small rented room in Park Circus with her parents, elder brother, and sister. Her father, a daily laborer, struggled with alcoholism, leading to frequent abuse, while her mother worked as a house help to support the family. Due to financial difficulties and her father’s abusive behavior, Rikta lost interest in school and eventually dropped out, struggling with emotional trauma.

Rikta was identified by the Child Vigilance Group (CVG) of the Naboasha Topsia center five years ago. Despite her parents' initial reluctance, Naboasha teachers and CVG members visited her home repeatedly, counseling them about the importance of education. Rikta’s father, who was initially hesitant, eventually agreed to send her to the center. Alongside, Rikta also received regular counselling.

With the support of the Naboasha teachers, she slowly regained her confidence and began to show interest in studying. Recognising her talents in art and craft, teachers encouraged her to pursue creative activities. Soon, she was admitted to Adi Ballygunge Vidyalaya.

Rikta is now in class VII. She excels in both academics and extracurricular activities. Her journey from a dropout to a thriving student is truly inspiring.

Debjit Singh (name changed), a 10-year-old boy from a slum in Chitpur, faced immense challenges due to his father’s alcoholism and violence. His family's dire financial situation led him to drop out of school to help with chores.
Very soon, the teachers from Education on Wheels identified Debjit and intervened by counselling both him and his parents. Individual therapy sessions using mindfulness, art therapy, helped him manage anger and regain focus. His mother was motivated to prioritise his education, and his father was encouraged to reduce his addiction.
Initially struggling to adjust, Debjit slowly gained confidence. His interest in studies returned, and he was re-enrolled in class III at Gun & Shell Factory High School. Now in class IV, Debjit is attentive in school, confident, and excelling in academics. He participates actively in extracurricular activities, particularly art and craft. His academic performance and social skills have vastly improved, and he is now a regular student with clear aspirations for a brighter future.

Riya Kumari, a 14-year-old girl, lives with her grandmother and maternal uncle. Her grandmother works as a maid, and her uncle is a daily laborer. Riya is currently studying in class VII at Bal Hindi Vidhyalaya. Upon enrolling in the Education Support Unit (ESU), Riya was notably hesitant to engage with others. Recognizing Riya's potential and the barriers she faced, the teachers initiated a series of motivational and encouraging activities designed to build her confidence and social skills. Over time, Riya responded positively to the intervention. She gradually became more friendly and open, establishing good communication and relationships with her teachers and peers. Riya began participating actively in all the programs and activities conducted at the center. She continues to maintain her positive relationships within the ESU and excels in her academic and extracurricular pursuits. Riya's journey highlights the impact of a supportive educational environment on a child's social and academic development.

Story of Change

Meghna, now 23 years old, tragically lost her parents at a very young age. Unable to care for her or her younger brother, her immediate family felt helpless. They contacted the Child Welfare Committee for assistance, and Meghna was placed in a residential child care centre for proper care and protection.
In 2013, Meghna was restored home, and she was supported through the Sponsorship Programme, which played a pivotal role in her education. The programme sponsored Meghna's monthly school fees, private tuition fees, and yearly school admission fee. School supplies, stationary items, and emergency medical support made a significant difference to Meghna's academic and personal journey. The monthly nutrition assistance also helped Meghna and her family access indispensable basic needs.
With the financial barriers now lifted, Meghna devoted herself to her academic aspirations. After finishing school, she pursued a BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Education and graduated with a commendable CGPA.
Meghna's consistent dedication and hard work secured her a job at the State Bank of India. Meghna is now a successful young girl who has complete financial autonomy.

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Chandan hails from a tribal family in a remote village of Bolpur, Shantiniketan. His father passed away when he was a child, leaving behind a family of 4.
Due to financial struggles, Chandan had to drop out of school. Soon he started working as a labourer in the fields. One morning, on his way to work, Chandan was struck by a tractor. This accident left him unable to walk, and he became bedridden for six months.
Helpless, Chandan’s family brought him to a local hospital. However, the young man could not receive the treatment he needed.
Soon, the family learned about Hope Hospital through word-of-mouth. Once the family visited the Outpatient Department, the young man was admitted to the hospital. Chandan was then diagnosed with a ruptured bladder and urethra. He then underwent Urethroplasty to repair the blunt trauma to his urethra.
This procedure was a success. Following post-operative care, Chandan regained mobility. Gradually, Chandan’s condition improved. Eventually, he could sit and walk again. After his treatment at Hope Hospital, Chandan was discharged in good health.
Today, Chandan has returned to his village and is back to working in the fields, leading a normal life again.

Basudev is an aged man living on the street of Sealdah Railway Station. He was rescued from the streets and admitted to Hope Hospital.

During the routine check-up, Basudev was diagnosed with low vision due to cataract in both his eyes.

After conducting all the necessary medical tests Basudev underwent surgery in his right eye. After recovering from this surgery, the patient underwent surgery on his left eye. Today, his vision has been restored, and Basudev has been doing just fine.

Sk Danish, a young boy, lived on the streets with his parents. One night, when the child complained of severe abdominal pain, his parents immediately took him to the nearest hospital. Here he underwent a colonoscopy, and was discharged without receiving proper suturing.

Danish soon started developing complications from the procedure. His parents were worried. However, they were helpless since they could not afford his treatment. On one of its visits, the Night Round team identified Danish. They immediately admitted him to Hope Hospital to extend care.

At Hope Hospital, Danish received optimal post-operative care. After recovering, the young boy was discharged in the care of his parents.

Mita, a 34-year-old woman, was found unconscious on the streets of Chitpur. When the Chitpur Community Clinic team intervened, Mita was in an extremely vulnerable state.

Due to the lack of official identity documents, Mita could not be taken to any government hospitals. Recognising the need for her urgent treatment, the team admitted her to Hope Hospital.

During this time, Mita informed the counsellor that she had no immediate or extended family. She explained that after her parents’ death, her uncle looked after her. After her uncle had passed away, Mita was evicted from their rented place as she could no longer afford the rent. Homeless and destitute, she was now entirely alone.

At the time of her discharge, Mita still did not have any accommodation. Recognising her vulnerable situation, the team rehabilitated her to a residential care centre of another organisation.

Nisha, a 7-year-old girl, and her family live in the Sundarbans. The young girl developed a toothache. Once the toothache became unbearable, her parents felt helpless.

When the Mobile Dental Clinic organised a camp in the locality, Nisha’s father brought her to the ambulance. Inside the dental ambulance, Nisha underwent a dental X-ray, which indicated that she needed a tooth extraction. The dentist undertook all preparatory measures and extracted the tooth safely.

The young girl was finally relieved of her toothache. Nisha and her parents were happy that she had finally received the care she urgently needed.

Subham is from an economically challenged background. Since childhood, he has seen his father, a factory worker, struggle to sustain their family as he was the only earning member.

Subham was determined to help his father financially. When he finished his class 12 examinations, he enrolled in the Financial Accounting course of the Computer Unit Howrah. Here, he excelled at Tally, and the Spoken English classes helped him improve his communication skills.

Once the course had concluded, Subham secured a job at Fast Info as a Customer Support Executive. He is now financially independent and supports his family like he had always dreamed of.

Debi was brought up in a residential child care centre run by Hope Kolkata Foundation. After she completed her class 10 examinations, she knew she had to learn a skill to become financially independent.

Debi enrolled in HOPE’s Food and Beverage course. The course soon taught her invaluable skills, which are much sought after in the professional world. She learnt how the restaurant world runs, and she was excited to learn new skills.

After completing the course, Debi got a job at Calcutta Stores, a multi-cuisine restaurant in Kolkata. Debi is now financially capable, as she had always aspired to be.

Puja stays with her family of 5 members in the slum in Garcha. Her father, the sole earning member, is a cobbler and makes only a small amount every month. Puja struggled to complete her graduation due to these financial difficulties. And even after graduating, she struggled to find a suitable job to support herself and her family.

Once Puja learned of HOPE’s Tailoring Course, she joined the classes immediately. She wanted to learn new skills that would help her be financially free. Soon Puja started working on her own. She started getting custom orders, and making a living. She now hopes to improve on her skills. Puja is grateful for this opportunity. She looks forward to financially supporting herself and her family just like she had hoped.

Janki is 18 years old and lives with her family of four in Kolkata. Her father, the sole earning member of the family, struggled with financial difficulties. As a result, Janki could study only till Class XII, following which she could not pursue college.

Upon realising her responsibility to assist her father, Janki enrolled in HOPE’s Beauty unit referred to her by an ex-trainee from the Unit. During the initial three months of the training, Janki continued to learn different procedures.

Now, she has grown far more confident in her abilities. The Spoken English classes and Personality Development Classes have also helped her significantly. Janki now looked forward to her own career and financial freedom.