A success story of rescue, rehabilitation and repatriation

Dipak Dey (10+) and Biswajit Chowdhury (14+) were referred to Hope Kolkata by “CONC’RN”(“Care of Needy Children Rightfully Nurtured”), an organisation based in Jalpaiguri, North Bengal.Conc’n run a drop in centre in New Jalpaiguri railway platform for solvent addicted or substance abusing children.

Why referred?
The boys arrived at Hope Kolkata Foundation on the 20th of November 2007. Both boys were injured and in very bad condition. Biswajit’s right leg and right hand were amputated as a result of a rail accident that occurred on the 24th of August 2007. Biswajit had fallen unconscious from drugs and had fallen in front of an oncoming train. Dipak also lost part of his right hand and his leg in a similar accident. They received primary treatment, at the time of the accident but this treatment was not a sufficient level of care for both boys. When Dipak arrived at HKF, his wound on his right hand was infected and required immediate treatment.

Background
Biswajit lived with his stepmother, father and siblings. His family tortured him and as a result he ran away and stayed in New Jalpaiguri platform. Before running away, he was a child labourer working on a street food stall. When he came to the railway station, he became addicted to solvents to kill the pain of loneliness and peer pressure. He started taking “ganja” and other drug substances.The organization “CONCERN admitted him to their drop in center, but his addiction did not stop.On the 24th August 2007 he decided to race with a running train while completely intoxicated on drugs. His accident resulted in his loss of limbs. Dipak was also a run away child. He and his elder brother both ran away because, they lost their father a few years back and his mother abandoned them. Their grandmother used to beat them and force them to work. Both of them came to the railway platform of New Jalpaiguri. They became addicted to dendrite glue etc.Though they attended “CONC’RN’s drop in centre, their addiction continued. Dipak started the education programme in the centre also.

What we did and why?
Immediately after their rescue on the 20th of November 2007, the boys were transferred to Parksite nursing home where they were admitted under the care of orthopaedic doctor, Dr. Pujari & plastic surgeon Dr. Suparna Ghosh. Both boys underwent major operations. Dipak had two consecutive operations, as his condition was more vulnerable as a result of his infection in his hand.Both boys were psychologically traumatized as a result of their ordeal. Dipak was especially vulnerable as he was younger and his injury was much more severe. He was an attention seeking sweet little child and he struggled to overcome his trauma.Besides their addiction, they were dropouts from school, detached from family and had no support network available to them. Under such circumstances, we felt it obvious and humane to provide them necessary services and support.

What happened to them after?
Over time, Biswajit improved. Biswajit was placed in our boy’s crisis intervention centre on the 27th of December 07. Dipak was placed in the boys home on the 18th January 08.HOPE Kolkata Foundation also followed up with an organization called Mahaveer Seva Sadan. Following a few appointments and fittings, Biswajit was fitted with a prosthetic on the 1st of March 08. Mahaveer Seva Sadan provided the service at no charge. Counselling support was also provided to both boys while they were staying at the centre.The boys were also encouraged to pursue their education. Dipak is willing to continue his studies. Biswajit was less interested in education.Once fitted with his artificial limb, Biswajit returned to his village and met with his family.He later returned to Kolkata as he did not want to go back to his previous life of pain and sufferings. His father is a vegetable vendor and his stepmother is paralyzed. The family’s earnings are twenty euro per month. At present he is living in Punorjibon Rehabilitation home where he dreams of building a new and brighter future. He now understands the importance of life skills training if he is to become self-sufficient.Dipak is continuing in education. He also continues to receive counselling support. Dipak is a very meritorious and intelligent child. HKF ’s plan is to enroll Dipak in formal school. HKF will continue to help him to build a successful future. As Dipak is an orphan child, he needs all the support we can give him.

Hospital expenses:
The hospital costs for Dipak totaled 1,000 Euro and Biswajit’s hospital expenses totaled 500 euro. Dipak will have another surgical procedure in the near future so that his artificial leg can be fitted. With the generous support of the Hope Foundation, both boys now have the opportunity to live a normal life. They are coping well with their physical disabilities and enjoying a new life in the Punorjibon Home.

Night Round & Rescue Operation

One third of the world’s poor children live in India. The streets of Kolkata are a place of refuge and also a place of danger where young street children live, eat, play, sleep and work. Some children choose to live on the streets as an alternative to poverty and violence at home. Many are forced by poverty to work in hazardous conditions; others turn to petty criminal activities and theft in order to survive. Unfortunately many children living on the street are exploited. The Night Round program was prompted by Hope Kolkata when confronted with the vulnerability of these unreached street children. A baseline field study of 300 street children confirmed that their primary need is that of protection.The organisation works closely with the Kolkata Police, Hospitals, and other NGOs focusing on safety, health and protection of childrens’ rights. Child watch addresses the needs of high-risk children living on the street by providing rescue, shelter, counselling, nutrition, healthcare and possible repatriation of children to their families.