Chandnahar, daughter of a construction worker, staying in Thubrahalli, a migrant’s tent Bengaluru shared her story. “My parents migrated to Delhi in search of work when I was in Class 7. I left my school and went with them. Then we migrated to Bangalore. My mother works as a domestic worker and my father is a construction worker. When the study centre started in our slum, I used to attend the classes. Looking at my interest, teachers used to encourage and motivate me to join school. They came to my house, met my father and counselled him. My father admitted me to school again. When the lockdown struck, my parents lost their jobs and were unable to pay my school fees. I was depressed thinking I have to drop out of school again. But I got financial help from the study centre and could pay my fees. I could continue to dream again. I am currently studying in Class 10”.

“I had to leave school and come to Bangalore with my parents. Here I used to stay at home and look after my siblings. Study centre near my house has given me the hope of going to school once again. The teachers of the study centre organise cultural functions, quiz, sports, gymnastics etc according to our liking. These extra-curricular activities gave me a platform to express myself, my feelings and dreams through songs, dances and street theatre. I have grown in self-confidence. I can perform on a big stage. I remember when ISI organised sports days on 13 February in which over 150 of us participated”, said Arpita, daughter of domestic worker Malati.

The Labour Migration Unit of Indian Social Institute, Bangalore runs a study centre in Thubrahalli. There are about 200 children. Majority are migrant workers’ children from the states of West Bengal, Assam and Bihar.

Rosey

Facilitator of Programmes

Labour Migration Unit