In 1996, Leela Alvares, Pervin Varma, Khurshid Dabdi, and Sangeeta Kapila, staff of CRY (Child Rights and You), came together to transform the lives of these young ones – Gopal, Jagdevi, Padma, Babu, Parvati, Shrinivas, Krishna, Radha, and little Kavita who’s snug in Leela’s arms.

These kids of construction labourers were spending their days playing with sand and mortar at sites, missing out on childhood joys. We got to know them when their parents, working at the adjacent construction site, couldn’t keep an eye on them. Curious about our office (adjacent to their construction site in Arthur Road, Mumbai), the kids would wander in. This marked the beginning of the Neighbourhood Project, which later evolved into Sunbeam.

The 4 didis in the picture and many more CRY staff members stepped in, showering them with love, affection, and care for their emotional needs. They began by tackling the most basic issues – health and hygiene. And provided them with nourishing midday meals. Also, incentives in the form of parties and picnics. Then began the non-formal education classes, nurturing a love for learning. Eventually, they got enrolled into formal schools, paving the way for a brighter future. A beautiful story of compassion turning lives around!