A Moment of Joy from the CHHIP Team 😊

A Heartfelt Story of Recovery and Hope

Written by Kriti Rai, CHHIP Project Manager

In 2020, during a visit to Murmidang Primary School, our dedicated SHA, Mariyam Subba, encountered a young boy. He was just 12 years old and had a severe burn on his hand. Upon speaking with his parents, we learned that he had fainted near a cooking fire. This unfortunate incident led to his injury. Tragically, the boy had also dropped out of school at the age of five due to epilepsy.

Addressing the Challenges

The family's financial situation did not allow them to seek proper medical treatment. Understanding their struggles, our team stepped in to help. We took the child to North Bengal Medical Hospital for a thorough medical evaluation. Tests confirmed he had epilepsy. His parents had known about this condition but were hesitant to share due to the stigma surrounding it.

Knowing the family faced significant financial constraints, we initiated the process of obtaining a disability certificate for the child. This certificate allowed the child to access necessary support and receive a monthly stipend of 1000 rupees to aid in his treatment.

Ongoing Support

Our team remained committed to the child’s well-being through regular home visits. During one of these visits, the child shared his heartfelt wish to return to school. Recognizing the importance of education in his life, we acted swiftly. We arranged a meeting with the headmaster of Murmidang Primary School, a partner school in the CHHIP initiative.

With the full consent of both parents and the headmaster, the child was enrolled in school this year for the first time since he had dropped out at age five!

The Joy of Learning

Since returning to school, the boy has experienced significant improvements in his health and spirit. He has made many new friends and is now actively engaged in learning. The curriculum includes vital academic subjects, alongside essential life skills. Our SHA provided extra tutoring to help him feel more confident and empowered.

The child has shown remarkable growth in his independence. He now walks confidently alone in his neighborhood. Moreover, he is able to purchase groceries from the market, a huge milestone for a child of his age.

A Bright Future Ahead

This journey has not only transformed the child's life but also brought joy to his family and community. The support and love from the CHHIP team, combined with the child’s determination, have made all the difference. It’s heartening to see that when individuals come together to support one another, wonderful changes can take place.

In conclusion, stories like these remind us of the importance of community involvement and support. Education and proper medical care can drastically alter a child’s future. We are grateful for the chance to make a positive impact on this child's life and look forward to witnessing greater achievements as he continues his educational journey.

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We encourage everyone to consider the challenges faced by children in similar situations. Together, we can foster an environment where no child has to face such hardships alone. Your support can help continue our mission and make a positive difference. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for all children.

For more information about the CHHIP initiative and how you can help, visit our website.