Living in a large muslim populated community, some saw the need to educate women unnecessary in comparison to other needs, such as finance and family. Overpowered by the struggles of simple daily living, her parents couldn’t support their daughter in pursuing her education. Nassim only studied until 7th standard. Fighting to persuade her parents to believe she had potential and share her passion, she was eventually admitted to attend school for higher education. But due to the journey alone, to and fro, fear seeped in. The dangers of the outside world drowned out Nassim’s voice. Protecting their child, they forbade her to travel alone. Secluded, isolated, and disconnected, Nassim felt ostracised. If she wanted to overcome these pressures, she would have to leave her home and family. Being only 14 years old, this was impossible. Consumed in an environment where one is constantly restricted, she gradually lost hope.

When we entered Shivaji Nagar, we saw the need and we replied. We saw the oppressive state of mind and heard the whisper of a dream. What is commonly known as “The largest dump in Mumbai”, we saw as a place of opportunity. When our first community centre opened up in the same area, the team visited local families. There we met Nassim who was hungry for a new ambition in life. Suppressed and drained by her current situation, she was convinced her parents would strongly disagree with further studies.

Four grey walls were all it took to spark a light throughout the narrow slits of the slums. Working within the community, long-lasting relationships were raised up on strong foundations. We never once gave up. Each child had their own voice and we believed it needed to be heard. After two weeks of counselling, the parents saw their daughters future as a top priority.

On her first day, she was extremely shy and held herself back. She wasn’t interacting well with the other students. She lacked confidence. A week into the course, after seeing the skills the teachers had equipped her with, Nassim slowly grew in confidence. Even with a simple tool like tailoring, you can change someones mindset. Having this ability transformed how Nassim saw herself and others around her. This small room was stretching further than we thought. Bold, courageous and assertive, we believe we are building world changers.

Living in such a huge family her future aspirations were gone unheard. At 17 years of age, the focus and necessity of caring for the family meant she had to grow up fast. She dropped out of school by third standard as household chores at home became a pressing priority. Studies were overlooked and Nikhat’s education came to a complete standstill. Nonetheless, her heart was stirred the day she entered our community centre and the burning desire to find deeper meaning to her life was strengthened.

As the trust between the team and Nikhat grew, she expressed her passion for studies. After counselling with both the parents, she is now enrolled in vocational training studying tailoring.

Being a mature young woman, she still holds family in the highest of all respects. Nikhat found a way to apply her new skills in her daily living by making dresses for all her younger sisters. We can see a real change in her attitude as the team has shown her that once she takes care of herself, she is able to look after her family even more.

Thrown out of his comfort and cultural zone, he didn’t know the language and therefore had no means of communication. Out on the streets of Mumbai, vulnerable to the dangers the night held, Roshan wandered the city aimlessly. Seeking any means of nutrition, he asked local restaurants for any left overs, but was chased away and if caught beaten. He sought help with a local rag picker, and was influenced by his addictive behaviour. Roshan started inhaling all kinds of toxic substances.

After 8 months, he lost contact with his friend and he picked up a few cooking tips and worked in various roadside restaurants. He was improving little by little each day as he enjoyed his daily work. Then, he came across into his old friend again and caved with the peer pressure. His sphere of influence grew worse as he entangled himself in criminal activities. His other friend, Nadeem got into a heated debate over the mistreatment of his sister by a few men. Believing he was protecting his friend, Roshan injured and killed three men. He was imprisoned for 6 years.

After his release, he ended sleeping on a platform in the central station near a gutter. He had nothing, or so he thought. There he met with Vision Rescue and Pastor Biju who listened to his story. After counselling and many visits, we took him in as one of our own staff. Starting off as a simple helper on our buses, Roshan soon became a cook in the Vision Rescue kitchen. Sadly, his addiction churned inside of his mind, his desire stronger than his will power. He fell victim again to drugs*. Determined to see this mans life rebuilt, we found him and he went to a rehabilitation centre for 3 months.

By 2012, Roshan was fully recovered and back on his own feet. He began his own catering business but always kept in touch with the team. Unfortunately his business partner deceived and took advantage of him. He took all the money he had. Roshan lost his business, and was faced with many debts to pay off even after selling all his belongings.

From this point, he went into deep depression and again relapsed back to his addictive state of mind. Vision Rescue took him in again, and he became our head chef. There was never a moment where the team gave up. They continued to speak love into his life instead of judgement. Roshan’s quiet perseverance and humble attitude has changed the atmosphere of the kitchen. We know he is called for something great.

Her mother was killed by her aunty at a young age only for the sake of land ownership. Her father remarried, and both Kalpana and her brother detested their new step-mother. Scared and traumatised, they both moved out to try to escape this situation. Her brother began to drink heavily and opened their home to his immature friends. There, Kalpana was exposed and vulnerable to a group of men under the strong influence of alcohol, where they would harass her and she became an object of their lust.

Mustering up the courage and strength she had left, she ran away from the home. Thankfully she then met with a social worker and was transferred to the safety of a Government Home. She was able to continue pursing her education in the hope of obtaining a degree. With the help, love and support of the staff in her new home, she has now a passion for fashion and design. Kalpana has completed a course in International Jewellery to export to countries around the world. She will be finishing her fashion design course by the end of March 2015.

Being on her own, with no financial aid from relatives or friends, finance for necessities like accommodation and food was unaffordable. Vision Rescue being partners with Government homes soon came to hearing Kalpanas story. We were able to facilitate and help her current situation by transferring her to our Transitional Home.

After coming on our school bus, the teacher noticed Bali suffered from a severe eye condition. There, she was referred to our medical bus for further care. Bali’s family had previously sought medical assistance in a nearby clinic. However, even after thorough treatment there were no positive results. They lost all hope.

When we decided to meet with the young girl, she was absent from the school bus. We were told that she was selling flowers for the whole day with her father. Her parents didn’t comprehend the excruciating pain she was suffering. The child faced “Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis” of the right eye, and if not taken under the correct treatment she may even lose her eye. Time was of the essence. It could be in a matter of days that Bali would no longer be able to see through that eye.

Finally after locating Bali and her family, we were able to explain the proper medical care and attention she needed. The team was able to raise awareness of basic hygienic procedures and prescribe the proper diagnosis. After the follow-up visit we were able to see great improvements. She isn’t experiencing any more pain and is on the road to a healthy recovery.