Books, hall tickets of students gone

There are more than 100 children living in the Garib Nagar slum of Bandra (East) who are appearing for their SSC and HSC board exams.

There are more than 100 children living in the Garib Nagar slum of Bandra (East) who are appearing for their SSC and HSC board exams. But, the fire at the slum on Friday night, has left behind ashes of what once used to be their books, clothes and hall tickets.

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Umeed Foundation, a collaboration of four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Aseema has come forward to help these unfortunate kids.

The children have been provided with books and clothes and the NGO is making sure they do not miss their exams. “We have given books and clothes to these children so that they can continue studying. We are also sending volunteers along with the children to their respective examination centres so that they are allowed to sit for the exams. These children have lost their hall tickets, but so far everything has been going smoothly as everybody is aware about the fire,” said Sana Shaikh, a member of Aseema NGO.

But, the children are still staying with their parents at a place close to the remains of what were once their houses. “This is the time when children need their parents and vice versa, so they are staying together. But, we have made arrangements at a nearby school so that they can bathe and get ready every day,” Sana added.

There are more than 65 students who are appearing for the SSC examination and several more for the HSC exams.