Migrant slum children program at Bellahalli, Bengaluru
On 17th January 2025, the Labour Migration Unit of the Indian Social Institute (ISI), Bengaluru, organized a one-day program for migrant children at Bellahalli. This unique event aimed to engage and bring joy to 200 children from migrant families living in the local slum. These migrants, predominantly from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, reside in about 40 huts in the area and are engaged in various occupations such as making and selling Dholaks, scavenging garbage, housework, and construction labor.
The program began with welcoming the children and their parents, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. Despite significant challenges in organizing structured activities due to the children’s lack of discipline and unfamiliarity with such events, efforts were made to make the day enjoyable and meaningful for everyone.
- Games and Engagement: Seven interns from Tumkur University and St. Joseph’s University joined hands to organize games and recreational activities for the children.
- Cultural Contributions: A man from the community contributed to the event’s charm by singing a Hindi song, creating a sense of unity and pride among the attendees. Fr. Samir Minj shared a heart-warming story with the children, emphasizing the importance of listening to parents, helping them in their work, and striving to be good individuals.
- Appreciation for Local Craft: Recognizing the hard work and creativity of the community, Fr. Antony Das, Vice President of ISI, purchased a Dholak made by the migrants. This gesture highlighted ISI’s support for the community’s livelihoods.
To conclude the day, prizes were distributed to participating children as tokens of encouragement. Food packets were also handed out to all the children and their parents, who expressed happiness and gratitude for ISI’s efforts to engage with their lives and struggles.
This experience offered valuable insights into the lives of migrant children living in slums:
- Educational Neglect: These children do not attend school, which leaves them without a basic foundation for discipline, learning, or social interaction. This gap significantly affects their behavior and future prospects.
- Parental Involvement: Parents, burdened with work and daily survival, often have little time to dedicate to their children’s development or well-being.
- Nutritional Challenges: A lack of access to nutritious food further impacts the children’s growth.
The Migrants’ Children Program at Bellahalli was a significant step toward understanding and addressing the challenges faced by migrant children. ISI’s initiative not only brought smiles to their faces but also offered the staff and volunteers an opportunity to witness their resilience and the complexities of their lives. Moving forward, sustained efforts and collaborations will be vital to ensuring these children have access to a brighter future