Dhanbad self-help group promotes street kids welfare

Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Apr 19 (ANI): A self-help group called 'Srijan' is working to improve the lot of street children in Dhanbad by imparting vocational training and education.

A majority of these children work at the Dhanbad railway station. They survive by doing various jobs on the platforms like shoe shining, cleaning, sweeping and selling various articles.

Apart from education, 'Srijan' is also running a rehabilitation programme for these children, some of whom take drugs.

"Our organization is running this school for past one year. Our aim is to associate these children with schools. But these children are engaged in different jobs from where they get money because of which their parents do not agree to sending them here. We have spoken with 'Sarv-Siksha Abhiyan' to arrange regular schools for these children and they should be parted elementary education till class eighth. We have prepared professional course, so that they can get self- employment and they should be linked with education," said Ashok Kanth, a member of Srijan.

According to the teachers, it was difficult for them to teach these children, as they were not at all interested in studying and coming to school. But, now they enjoy learning and come to school regularly.

"My mother and father work as rag pickers and I wash utensils. I want to become a doctor, when I grow up," said Rajiya, a student at Srijan.

The centre will initiate vocational training programme in future for children, so that they can earn their own livelihood and also continue studying at school. By Girija Shankar Ojha (ANI)