In the public health world and in the nonprofit sector, so often it is necessary to wait until the numbers have been crunched to determine whether or not the services provided are making an impact. However, this is not the case with Salaam Balaak Trust.
On our last full day of the course, we spent the afternoon with Salaam Balaak Trust, an organization providing basic services to runaway and homeless children, many of whom come to Delhi and other major cities via the train system. Iqbal, our tour guide, lead us through the alleys and pothole-ridden streets of one of the neighborhood bordering Delhi's main train station, explaining the nature of the runaway community, opportunities they seek to earn money, and trials and tribulations of their journeys, literally and metaphorically, into and through homelessness. Iqbal explained that many children have been abused or neglected – he himself was simply left in a busy market by his father at 5 years old – and SBT works to reach out to children on a level they understand, building relationships based in respect and trust, and thus maximizing opportunities to reach these children.
We were lead to SBT's intake center on the second floor of a simple building next to the train station. SBT staff, each providing individual attention to one child, worked diligently to fill out forms, complete a basic medical exam or just talk to the child with whom the were working. Other children, who ranged in age from 10 to 18, sat on the floor together, talking amongst themselves while drawing or coloring.
We were then brought to one of the many shelter homes run by SBT, this one in particular for boys. Our group missed the talent show they put on just minutes before, but had the opportunity to spend some time with the boys. I sat down in the front of the room and was swarmed by 4 boys, all of whom quickly introduced themselves to me, and immediately challenged me to thumb wars, and taught me some of their handshakes. They were so excited just to have us there, to have their pictures taken and, I could tell, just to be noticed.
I can not begin to imagine the things some of these children have gone through, especially with no safety net to catch vulnerable populations such as young children should they fall. Social services to the degree of those available in the US are not available in India. If it was not for SBT and organizations like it, these boys, along with the 1000 other children SBT serves, would be out on the street. While this is a grant-funded organization, they do have an income generating aspect – they charge a small fee for tours, such as the one in which we participated, and sell t-shirts, postcards of artwork by or pictures of children served by SBT, and chai carriers made from wire. All proceeds go directly back into the organization.
The work SBT does is incredible, and the impact they make is palpable when standing in a room with those they serve. It was a great way to close out the course: in terms of social services, there is so much needed in India, and it was so refreshing to see a functioning organization making a real difference. They reach those who are outside of the system – children with no families or homes. It was exhilarating to just be in the presence of these children – to see how they clung to Iqbal the moment he walked in to the room – they love him and it is a direct reflection on the organization and the good work they do. SBT is an excellent example of innovation of services, as well as orchestrating efforts with others working in a similar space, such as ChildLine. This organization provides much-needed services to the under-served and I felt privileged for a glimpse into their work.
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