“My mother is just a single mother and she is mentally sick, without any support circle or guidance to follow what is the right and what is the wrong direction for my future.” Ikroop
Life changed for 12-year-old Ikroop when her mother and father separated a few years ago. Before, the family survived on her father’s income as a taxi driver but since their separation, Ikroop’s mother, Menuka, has single-handedly taken care of the family, using her meagre wages from working as a potter to support them as best she can. Taking on sole responsibility for the family took its toll on Menuka however and she began struggling with depression.
Work over education
Barely able to afford the most basic needs on her mother’s income alone, Ikroop had to drop out of school to go to work with her mum, working long hours to earn an extra 150 rupees every two days, as well as having responsibility for looking after her 2-year-old nephew who lives with them after her sister passed away. After a while, it became too much for Ikroop and she began spending more and more time on the streets of Kathmandu. She survived by collecting scrap from rubbish tips and begging by day – barely scraping by in the most difficult conditions of her life – and scouring the roads by night.
Education over work
That was her life for about seven months before she came to know SathSath, one of Toybox’s partner organisations in Nepal. They offer street children the opportunity to access informal learning opportunities at their learning centre and before long, Ikroop was attending a range of their activities, from educational support to dance classes, and cultural site visits to personal hygiene information. The best news of all though is that she has started going to school again and is relishing the opportunity to continue in her education, now SathSath are supporting her with her school expenses. She’s off the streets and learning again in Year 4!
“Due to participating in the project, I can now express my rights to go to school, study and make my future bright. My favourite subjects are English and Nepali. I help my little nephew and my mother to give them a comfortable life. I now also know and can express that being connected to the street does not mean that I do not have the right to education and opportunities. I can also share my dreams to be a famous singer like Rachana Rimal!” Ikroop
“I feel happy since receiving the support from SathSath as I can fulfil my dream of being a singer. Plus my school and education will help me have a positive future. Children in my community feel happy and safe when their family is safe and they have access to a support group too – we also feel safe when our voice is heard by our family and community.” Ikroop
Ikroop’s mum has also benefitted from support from SathSath. She’s been able to receive counselling and support for her depression as well as help for how she can best look after Ikroop and her grandson. Although there are still some challenges, Ikroop’s future is looking brighter and away from the street.
