MY EXPERIENCES WITH STREET CHILDREN

My experience with the NGO SALAAM BAALAK TRUST has been a learning experience as I interacted with the street children. First day of the interaction was with all the kids. Innocent, full of life and engrossed in activities given by the NGO to play and learn. I had no experience about the lives of street children until I talked to few of them. Well yes, most of them were saved from the New Delhi railway station and were living there since a long time. One such boy when asked what made him come to Delhi told me " main toh train me charke aa gaya kyunki ma babuji maarte the aur mujhe superstar banna tha" ( I came to Delhi as my parents illtreated me and I wanted to become a superstar. He was depressed since he realized soon that he might not be able to meet his parents. Before being rescued, he used to beg and earn a living. A child of just 10 years was into substance abuse because he thought that gave him relief. He was still being rehabilitated. 

One of the peculiar observation was that they loved the streets. Few children told me they wanted to go back to the street as it was freedom unlike the shelter home they were presently staying. They did not like "rules" and it took time to follow the rules of the shelter home. Small parties were organized for the kids on a specific day where they would enjoy. I developed a good rapport with the kids  and major " life skills"were taught to them. Many of them lacked self control and empathy and ended up getting into quarrells. Role plays were organized for such children so that they learnt tolerance, a trait they would require in everyday lives.
These children were similar to the rest of the children. The difference was they had lost a part of their childhood, their parents, the happiness and carefree days a child always craves for. Despite the fact they showered their love on us, by making small craftwork they had learnt over the years.
I was happy to know that many kids here had grown up to be successful in their ventures while some were still had to reach their goal. Everybody had a talent of their own and they were motivated to nurture it.

I loved my experience and wish I could just run back to them and sayTHAT THEY GAVE ME ONE OF THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE. I am not in touch with them, however, they are in my prayers always.