Athini

Like many other children who have migrated to Delhi from India’s rural states, 10 year old Athini’s family hoped for more opportunity and job security when they moved to the capital seven years ago. Her parents struggled to earn enough with their jobs as ragpickers, meaning that keeping the family fed and healthy, while also paying off loans for their house was a stressful situation to be in. When Athini’s dad started to rely on alcohol to deal with these challenges, she and her younger sister had little choice but to join their mother at work, picking rags, just to contribute to the family’s income.

“Because I was not getting any work, I decided to move my entire family to Delhi. We also had a large debt which we needed to pay off the house. People don’t earn that much and we were unable to satisfy our basic needs.” Aarti, Athini's mother

Welcome to Delhi

When the family arrived in Delhi, things did not get much easier, although both Athini’s parents were able to work more. Despite this though, Athini and her four younger siblings were not able to go to school, or often, have enough food to keep them well and healthy. Here, Athini tells more, in her own words.

"My father works as a ragpicker. My mother looks after us children at home and also helped my father out sorting the rags that he finds when he comes home. I used to work with my mother too, picking rags, but now I don’t.

Since my childhood, I always wanted to study but due to family issues, I couldn’t continue with my studies. I always knew that I wanted to live a good and prosperous life like some of my other friends but without my education, I couldn’t. In my community, we all use the railway tracks to freshen up. Everyone in the community goes for open defecation, although the women and girls use the bushes just by the tracks to freshen up."

“In my community, there is also no water tap or electricity so each morning, I go to the roadside with my mother to fetch water. We wake up early to stand in the queue with others. There are often arguments with whose turn it is to get water.” Athini

A future towards education

In March 2022, Athini met one of the street outreach workers for Toybox’s partner in India, CHETNA. They learned that she was not in school as neither she nor any of her siblings had their official identity documents that were valid in Delhi to allow enrolment. They also saw the difficulties the family faced with having enough food to stay healthy.

"CHETNA workers found me on the railway tracks and then talked to my parents about enrolling me in the education club to get a basic education. I faced difficulties in my admission process for school as I don’t have an Aadhar card. Now though, they’re working on it and I’ll be going to school very soon.

At the project, I get support with education, hygiene and food. Before, I used to only eat once a day. There were rarely vegetables at home so we’d just eat rice mixed with oil and salt.

The impact of nutrition support is a blessing because now we are not starving for food or just begging for food in front of others like we used to. Getting food here helps us to keep our bodies healthy and energetic. It also helps us in the growth of our mind as we can focus more on our studies – instead of being involved in rag picking and working for money to buy food.

Now, I get my food from the project on a regular basis. CHETNA ensure that we, as a whole family, get our daily food. Sometimes, I eagerly wait for the food to come so that I can enjoy eating it. I now don’t have any gaps where I don’t have food."

"If I were a leader in my country, I would have a special role for someone who especially looks after food for children to ensure that children receive food on time, or who organises food camps nearby children’s homes so they can get the benefits of having food. I’d also provide houses to all the people who need it in our country.

I also love the education at the club. My favourite subject is English because I love to pronounce the new words. School is so important because it makes me a better human being. I’m able to read and write so I can fulfil my dreams. Without education, children can’t support their family dreams. Soon, I’ll be able to go to school and make new friends."

“My role models are the police officers because they work for the welfare of society. I want to be a police officer when I grow up so I can help people too.” Athini