NGO fights for urchins in Shillong

Shillong, Nov. 12 : A Christian NGO here is striving hard to build a permanent home to rehabilitate street urchins who dream of becoming “dons of Khyndai Lad” amid the hustle and bustle of a grimy life.

A majority of these urchins, many of whom are abandoned children camping in the lanes and bylanes of Khyndai Lad or Police Bazaar and its adjoining areas, aspire to be known as “dons”.

In the face of such an “impending threat”, which can multiply crimes of various dimensions, the NGO, Reach Shillong Ministries, is striving towards construction of a permanent abode for the helpless children.

The NGO began its journey in the winter of 2007 when four friends decided to do something for the uplift of street urchins.

Rev. Rueben Laloo, Ralph Laloo, Sanbor Ranga and another associate formed the NGO with the sole intention of imparting value-based education to abandoned and neglected children and women.

Over the last four years, the NGO has grown stronger. From just four people, it is now an organisation with around 80 members, comprising professionals, students, and church workers.

The NGO has also been able to create a shelter — Lawei Baphyrnai (Bright Future) — in the Umpling locality for the abandoned children.

As of now, 13 children are being housed in the shelter home and are being provided free education.

However, the NGO is eager to spread its wings beyond the confined space, and is looking forward to constructing a new dwelling for children at Nongumlong in Upper Shillong.

While the land at Nongumlong was gifted by a resident, the NGO is now working towards securing funds to build the home where the children will be given an alternative environment to grow and pick up skills through which they would be able to earn a decent living.

Today, a “jumble sale” was organised by the NGO at Madan Iewrynghep in Laitumkhrah to raise funds. Government agencies will also be approached to fund the project, which could be a ray of hope to the homeless.

“We hope that the home would see the light of day soon for the benefit of the neglected and abandoned children, who are multiplying with each passing moment,” Rueben Laloo, president of the NGO, said. However, before that the NGO is coming up with a drop-in centre in and around Khyndai Lad next year for the benefit of these children.

Since its inception, the Reach Shillong Ministries has been trying try to safeguard such children and women by organising counselling sessions at the English Service of the Presbyterian Church at Khyndai Lad.

Every Saturday, these children gather in church to be counselled, besides sharing a meal and receiving free medical check-up.

Laloo also drew attention to the rising number of abandoned children and impoverished women, who are being forced to leave their wards. Another major issue is the increase of children involved in rag-picking in the city, he said.

Laloo said compelled by poverty, several women deserted by their husbands were being forced into the flesh trade.

“There is a complete violation of child rights and children are being exposed to an unsuitable environment. There are also people, who use and misuse these children,” the Reach Shillong Ministries president said.

Laloo said he was not sure whether the Right to Education Act would be able to address such grave issues.

“We try to impart the teachings of Jesus Christ to these children to make them better human beings. If these children are neglected, the society will face grave threats. The sooner we realise the enormity of the problem, the better,” he said.