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How we helped Samir return from the streets in Bangalore, India, to the safety of his family
Samir was just 13 years old when he ran away from home to the dangerous streets of Bangalore. Things had been difficult at home for a long time. Samir’s parents had separated due to his dad’s alcoholism. Samir and his mum went to live with his uncle and in return Samir would help out in the family-run shop. Older boys who lived upstairs encouraged Samir to steal money from the shop. It wasn’t long before his mum realised this, accusing Samir of being “just like his father”. In frustration and anger Samir believed his only option was to run away.
Samir was lucky. The very day that he ran away and ended up at the busy Bangalore train station he was found by our local partner. The team talked to him and encouraged him to go with them to the safety of the transit centre they run for children who have run away from home.
He was so upset that for a few days Samir refused to talk about his family, where he was from or why he had run away to Bangalore. But a counsellor at the centre persisted and finally Samir explained why he had run away and his troubles at home. Our local partner was then able to contact Samir’s mum who took him back home.
This all happened a year ago and Samir and his mum are getting on much better now. They are visited by a counsellor every two months who checks on their progress and helps them communicate better with one another. Samir is doing well in school and is pleased to be safely back home:
“I want to do my mother proud. I realise the importance of living with my family now.” Samir
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