Meet Kush

In the heart of Kolkata, India, hundreds of families call a landfill site their home. Living amidst the backdrop of despair, they navigate through a daily life filled with immense challenges. With a staggering 4,000 tonnes of waste dumped daily, the environment is heavily polluted, and these residents make a living by sorting through the refuse as ragpickers and scrap dealers or engaging in odd jobs. The toll this polluted environment takes on their health, both physical and mental, is substantial. Moreover, their children, too, suffer from frequent illness due to pollution and abysmal living conditions.

For the families in and around this landfill site, rag-picking has been a common source of income. However, recent trends reveal a shift in their livelihoods. Many parents now work odd jobs such as pulling hand-driven carts, masonry, carpentry, and various other roles. Often, mothers step in as domestic helpers to supplement the family income. Despite disparities in economic conditions, there is one common concern that unites these families: the future of their children. They yearn for their offspring to escape the cycle of poverty and pollution they themselves grew up in. Education emerges as the key to this transformation, the beacon of hope amid their challenges. These parents understand that education is the path to a brighter future for their children, even though their own lack of education and the demands of grueling labor often hinder their ability to support their children’s education. Approximately 20-25% of their meager family income is dedicated to meeting school-related expenses and tuition fees.

This is where Love Without Boundaries (LWB) steps in. LWB initially connected with this community through a food relief initiative during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was during this time that we encountered a bright and cheeky 5-year-old boy named Kush. He and his friends highlighted the pressing issues of clean drinking water and proper sanitation in the area. In response, LWB built an overhead tank and organized a reliable water supply for the community. The space beneath the tank was transformed into a room, which later became the Anand Believe in Me (ABIM) Center.

Kush, the cheerful 5-year-old who captured LWB’s attention, has become a symbol of hope in this community. His infectious joy brightens the ABIM Center, where he never wants to miss a class, regardless of obstacles like a 100-degree fever or heavy rain. Kush’s zest for life is truly inspiring, and he shares it with his friends at the center:

1. Kite Flying: Kush and his friends recently staged a spectacular kite-flying event during a local puja. Their vibrant kites painted the sky with joy and unity.

2. Fishing Adventures: They embarked on fishing expeditions together, catching an impressive total of 16 fish. Kush’s enthusiasm for fishing is contagious.

3. Football Passion: Kush’s love for football is evident as he relishes every opportunity to play with his friends. The game not only brings out their competitive spirits but also strengthens their bonds.

4. Artistic Flair: Kush has discovered his creative side at ABIM. He creates stunning drawings of trees, houses, and fish-filled ponds, showcasing his newfound talent for crafting and drawing.

5. Rainy Day Fun: Kush’s love for rain often leads to playful escapades where he gleefully gets soaked while enjoying the downpour. Despite his joy, his mother sometimes reprimands him for the risk of falling ill.

6. Pizza Dreams: In a playful conversation, Kush expressed his desire to taste pizza, a treat he has never had before. He eagerly anticipates the chance to savor its flavors.

Kush’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and community support. LWB’s work at the landfill site is not only about providing immediate relief but also about nurturing dreams and hopes for a brighter future. If you share our desire to be part of this transformative journey for these children, where we strive to make a positive impact on those in need, please consider joining us. Together, we can create lasting and impactful change.

If you would like to contribute or get involved, please click on the link below. Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of Kush and many others like him.

https://lovewithoutboundaries.in/community-signup

Let’s build a future where love knows no boundaries, and every child has the opportunity to flourish.