Lotus Flower
Railway children of Guwahati Assam
The slum along the railway lines has grown over 50 years, as people flood in from the countryside where they are unable to make a living from farming, believing that city living will answer their prayers. There is no education, medical support, running water or sanitation in this area, and families live in plastic shelters 15 yards from the busy railtrack. Boys become addicts to alcohol, drugs or glue and girls are taken away at 11/12 years and put into the 'flesh' trade and most never return. it is almost impossible to get out of the slum.
Funds were donated to build a home and school on land was donated by old Indian woman who heard about the plans of the charity, Lotus Flower, whilst on her death bed. The first intake will be 25 girls and 10 boys. Mothers are desperate for their children to move in. In addition to education, the children will be provided with computers to learn IT skills and a small skills centre will be built so that mothers can learn basic sewing skills.
