Jamshed’s Journey from Isolation to Inclusion

24/02/25

Success Stories

90

With the support of the “Room to Grow” project, Bal Raksha Bharat with support from Sonalika CSR, in Delhi, has been empowering vulnerable children to break free from the chains of child labor and transition into mainstream education. This is the story of 11-year-old Jamshed from Khanpur Village, whose journey exemplifies resilience and transformation.

Critical Obstacles

Jamshed lives with his parents and two siblings, Nisha and Khatija. His father, Md. Akhtar, works as an embroiderer, and his mother, Shabana, is a domestic worker. When Jamshed was six, he fell from a roof and suffered a severe head injury that impaired his cognitive abilities and learning capacity. The accident also led to recurring fits, making daily life and education challenging.

At the age of nine, Jamshed was admitted to a school, but frequent fits disrupted his studies. The school recommended seeking medical treatment before allowing him to return. This setback left Jamshed withdrawn and prone to violent outbursts. Isolated from his peers, he struggled to keep up academically and socially.

The Intervention:

Recognizing Jamshed’s unique challenges, the team at Bal Raksha Bharat enrolled him in their Multi-Activity Center (MAC). Initially, Jamshed was reluctant to interact, spending his time in isolation. To address his needs, the team conducted a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) pre-assessment and engaged him in tailored activities.

The Mental Health & Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) Point of Contact from BRB, provided one-on-one counseling and actionable insights to support Jamshed. She advised offering clear, repeated instructions to help him understand tasks and suggested appreciating his efforts, no matter the outcome, to build his confidence. She emphasized involving Jamshed in group activities to foster social bonds and ensure he was shielded from bullying.

A Positive Transformation:

The team’s consistent efforts led to remarkable changes in Jamshed’s behavior. He began participating in activities, showing initiative, and building friendships with other children. His mother expressed her gratitude during a home visit, saying, “Isko to bas centre he jana acha lagta hai ab, bada khush rehta hai wahan jaake” (He loves going to the center now; he feels very happy there).

With these improvements, Jamshed’s anger came to control and his communication skills began to develop. The team is now working on enhancing his educational level to align with his age, aiming to re-enroll him in school for continued learning and growth.

Jamshed’s journey highlights the power of patience, understanding, and tailored support in overcoming adversity. Despite the severe challenges following his accident, the nurturing environment at the MAC center has helped him build confidence and resilience. As Jamshed continues to make strides toward a brighter future, his story serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of education and psychosocial support.

Gaurav Sharma

Content Reviewer

“I am an editor and technical specialist at Bal Raksha Bharat, responsible for publishing articles and posts. My role involves evaluating content for consistency, and ensuring a positive user experience across the website."