27-year-old Karuna’s office is on a hillslope overlooking a few houses by the roadside, and further away are miles and miles of forest-covered hills, with villages scattered in between. Karuna is a Community Health Officer (CHO) and looks after 19…
A Young Woman from a Red-Light Area Finds Her Way
Priya left home when she was 13 years old to escape the fate that often befell children living in the red-light areas. Her mother, Priyanka, sent her away to live with an old friend of hers. Eight years later, Priya…
Getting Back to Herself: Healing from abuse with courage
“I’m not afraid now, I can give it back to anyone” says Pranitha*, smiling, seated upright on a chair at home, her hands folded. She points to a portrait of an elderly man hanging on the wall across from her…
A toilet brings security to life
Eleven-year-old Janvi lives with her parents and older sister in a small village in Nagpur, Maharashtra. She studies in Std 6. After school, Janvi and her best friend Vanshika come running through the courtyard of her house and happily use the washroom. Janvi’s mother Sangeeta smiles as the girls discuss what they…
A story of loss and coping during the COVID pandemic
“If this corona was not there, then our father would be here with us right now”, says 14-year-old Sufian* with a soft and broken voice. Sufian lives in a small rented house in the community of Dharavi in Mumbai with…
Celebrating Families: A workshop that becomes a way of life
Rajeshree and Nitin live in small rented house in Mumbai along with their two children Pranay and Anushka. As an REC volunteer, Rajeshree has previously been a part of several workshops and trainings through World Vision India’s Dharavi Area Program.…
The Power of an Altered Mind
12-year-old Drishti and 13-year-old Ruhi are two girls from the same community in Uttar Pradesh. They come from similar backgrounds where both families suffer from financial instability. However, despite the struggle Ruhi’s mother sends her daughter to school. But Drishti’s…
A Fresh Start: Livelihood Restoration Story
During the countrywide lockdown that extended for more than three months, Guddiya, 36, lost her only source of livelihood. As a widow and a mother of two school-going children, she is the only breadwinner for the family. Guddiya’s husband used…
Little care and tons of courage
Little nine-year-old Bharti is an inspiration for anyone who wants to live a joyous life in the midst of struggles. A few years ago, Vikas and his wife, Meena, who live in Delhi, were completely unaware that their daughter, Bharti, had a hole…
How can you help a child in need during Christmas?
Celebration and music will soon fill the air. Joy and cheer will adorn the atmosphere. In the midst of the pandemic, celebrations are a way to steer away from the present day blues. It is a reminder to celebrate the…