A little girl about 5 years old was walking to school. She was accompanied by a group of children all aged below 10. Their uniforms were faded and footwear rather worn out, but the children were bright eyed and enthusiastic. While crossing the busy road, one slipper fell off from the little girl’s foot. She tried to get it back but her companions did not want to stop as there were too many vehicles on the road. On reaching the other side of the road, the children turned back. The little girl looked longingly at her lost slipper.
Anika (name changed for privacy) who was on her way to drop her daughter at school was watching this. She crossed the road with her daughter and asked the children to wait by the side of the road for a moment. She went back to retrieve the slipper for the other child.
The young girl was thrilled. Her friends nudged her and she gave Diana a shy smile and said, “Thank You aunty!”
Anika was very impressed with the attitude and behavior of that group of children. It also moved her to think that a worn out pair of footwear was so precious to these children.
Curious to learn more about these children, she asked about their school and their families. The children lived in the neighbouring Bommanhalli slum and studied at the local Government school.
This incident got her thinking and Anika wanted to do something for children living in slums. She went online and zeroed in on ‘One Good Step’ to help achieve her goal. She learnt that One Good Step was working with slum children was and was keen to contribute.
One Good Step has been working on community development in the Bommanhalli slum area. The area comprises of several makeshift structures where residents do not have access to basic facilities like clean water and toilets. They stay exposed to rain and cold.
Anika decided that an old clothes collection drive within her apartment complex Salarpuria Serenity could be her first step. As part of the Onam Celebration she and other members of the event organizing committee appealed to people to donate used clothes that were in good condition to slum children.
Many enthusiastic residents supported the cause and they collected a room full of clothes.
One Good Step took up the task of sorting these clothes as per gender and age. Once sorted the clothes were taken to the Bommanhalli slum. The clothes were distributed among the residents. The slum dwellers, children and adults alike, were thrilled. Many of them had never owned a pair of jeans or sweaters. The children excitedly hugged their new clothes and ran to their tents to try them out.
Some residents of the slum, who received clothes were so overwhelmed at the gesture, they pooled in money and got soft drinks for the team from One Good Step. A simple gesture that meant so much to all of us!
Thank you Salarpuria Serenity for initiating this and bringing together the residents of your community!
A small effort on our part can make a world of difference to people who live amidst us but belong to a totally different world.