Himanshu

Himanshu’s family lives in a precarious slum community which is nestled right up alongside one of the busiest railway lines in and out of Delhi. As the youngest of five brothers, 10 year old Himanshu was often left alone while his mother and brothers went off to work. Since the beginning of 2022 however, his loneliness has been helped by two things – his new involvement in a project run by Toybox’s partner in India, CHETNA, and his deepening relationship with his dog, Julie.

“I live with my mother and my four brothers in our community. It’s right by the railway tracks and I think really it’s a good community. Everyone lives together happily most of the time and we come together to celebrate festivals. Sometimes there are fights which are bad… and also the community toilets are far away, along with the places where we can fetch water from. Going so far to go to the toilet is scary for children sometimes because there are youths with drug addiction and eve-teasing for girls.

I just used to spend my time alone at home which made me feel sad. But earlier this year, in February, CHETNA workers encourage me to come to the learning centre to get a proper education. I like coming to the activities because I get to study and play games with my friends. I like to do drawing at the project and try new things that they give us."

“I really like to with my teachers as they teach us new things every day. I also get food at the project and now with the support to do my study, I can fulfil my dreams of becoming a soldier.” Himanshu

"For as long as I can remember, all my family have always all gone out to work, leaving me at home on my own. Before the learning centre, I felt so lonely and had no one to play with or spend my time with. Then, four years ago, I got Julie, my pet dog. Now I play with her and spend most of my time with her – since she’s been mine, I never feel lonely anymore as I always have someone to play with and take care of."

I’ve provided her with a place to sleep and I feed her biscuits. During the winter when it’s cold, I wrap her in woollen clothes to keep warm. And I make sure that she doesn’t run onto the railway tracks all of a sudden."

“She listens to my commands and makes me feel happy. When people have pets, we learn what it means to care for someone. It teaches us lessons for our lifetime as it helps us to be faithful and respect others. It can also change our nature and be more open to one another as humans too.” Himanshu