Iqbal is part of the Salaam Baalak Trust, an organization which provides support for children who have either chosen to live on the streets or were simply left to fend for themselves. Many of the children who leave home do so because of physical, sexual, or mental violence, or simply because there is not enough to eat at home. To these children, the street is the safer option.
The majority of these children are boys; the girls are quickly picked up and often sold as sex workers within 24 hours on the street. Once again, I am impressed with a message that resonates- not only are children altogether vulnerable, but it is almost dangerous in some areas of India to be born a little girl. This is perhaps one of the most uncomfortable thoughts I have had through our entire journey because this was not simply a one-time feeling, but a motif.
The boys found on the street by members of Salaam Baalak are quickly taken to the headquarters where they are registered and looked over by a member of the medical staff. There children are scared and many are on drugs. Often they are not there because they wish to be--all these reasons provide barrier after barrier for their care. At the headquarters, there is a small room with painted murals of a peacock, a tiger and many colors. The little boys we saw that day were crowded onto a carpet where they played board games and colored. As we looked at what the boys were drawing I could feel the wave of heartbreak spread throughout our group. The little boys were drawing houses.
One of the oldest boys told us he loved to make 3D models and proceeded to make two models for one of our group members, Cara. She in turn made him a paper crane and a 3D ball of paper. The exchange was almost silent, but had meaning beyond words. I know for a fact Cara has the 3D model in her luggage home.
We then walked through the alleys and streets Iqbal knows so well to the home for the boys. Inside there is a small office and a “sick room.” The walls are brightly painted and decorated with pictures of current as well as past members of Salaam Baalak. The boys were welcoming and full of life as we visited with them. They sang and danced without hesitation, they had intoxicating smiles and spirit. There are three homes for the boys throughout the city and two for the girls.
Once found by a member of Salaam Balaak, a child is never forced to go home. They are provided with meals and vocational training. However, all children are given support if they express desire to go home. Iqbal stated about 70% of those found on the street eventually go home without prodding. For these children, the Trust will deliver a follow up phone call once per month. The children also have access to a child help line operating within five districts of Delhi.
I was struck most by the joyfulness of each of the children I saw. Walking through the muddy streets and alleys of Delhi I can say my attitude was anything but joyful. Even after all these children have been through, they maintain an innocence and lightness that is beyond all expectation. Salaam Baalak contributes greatly to this in each of the boys I saw. This was most apparent in Iqbal who kept his smile even through his story of abandonment at the age of five by his own father in an open market. As a child he could not generate income for his father, so he was left on his own. Iqbal was exploited on the streets, but eventually found Salaam Baalak. He told us he pursued education and eventually hopes to work in computer software. I have no doubt he will find a way to do so.
Salaam Baalak was our last site visit in India. As I stepped on the bus that day, I knew things were different. Over the past 12 days we had all been exposed to scenes of misery as well as joy, scenes of hope and a few that quite honestly, seemed hopeless. It will take time to process all that we have seen. Even as we part from each other and board our planes and trains to various destinations all over the world, we will always have that time in India where together we traveled and learned. However, mostly we grew as indiciduals who were exposed to the world as it is and are learning to use the full scope of humanity’s potential to raise the baseline of expectation and improve standards for every community no matter the geography.
Each woman I traveled along side, and also Dr. Parrish and Chance, have my utmost respect. I am humbled and thankful for everything I witnessed. This exposure and experience has left a mark on each of us, I now believe the interesting next phase will be to observe what avenue each of us take from this point forward. For each member of our group I would like to express my full confidence and support!
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