Pavement to pencils: The flight of street children

Time of India

07-07-2025

Lucknow: At a busy corner in Charbagh, as autos honk and commuters rush past, a quiet transformation is taking place. Under the shade of a mobile learning van, a group of children once burdened by survival now clutch pencils and trace Hindi alphabets on lined sheets.
Among them sit Prem (9) and Priyanka (8) (names changed).
Not long ago, their hands were used to carrying scrap and selling trinkets. Today, they write. They dream. Lucknow's initiative 'Nanhe Parinde' is giving children like them a chance to rewrite their stories.
Launched jointly by the Lucknow Police, HCL Foundation, and CHETNA NGO (Childhood Enhancement Through Training and Action), the project reaches street-connected children across 12 key locations in the city — from Charbagh and Ghantaghar to Polytechnic and Janeshwar.
The three specially equipped mobile vans offer more than just education. They offer dignity, hope, and affection.
"This is Raghav, Priya, and Sunil," says a volunteer at Kisaan Bazaar, pointing to three children now learning to solve maths problems. "Just weeks ago, they were on the streets collecting waste. Now, they come every day with notebooks, dreams, and determination."
Each van is tailored to create a safe and engaging learning environment — stocked with storybooks, art supplies, puzzles, audio-visual aids, and even life-skills sessions.
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They help children escape the harsh realities of the street, if only for a few hours, and gain the tools to dream bigger.
Sanjay Gupta, director of CHETNA, explains, "These vans are not just classrooms. They're sanctuaries — places where children feel safe, valued, and inspired. We're committed to nurturing their growth."
Since its inauguration on January 31, 2025, at the Mahanagar police station by SHO Akhilesh Mishra under the supervision and leadership of the police commissioner, the project has already reached 760 children, mainstreaming 112 into formal schooling.
SHO Mishra said vans are fully equipped with chairs, notebooks, pencils, books, a library, sports equipment, and worksheets to ensure holistic learning. In addition, they feature CCTV cameras, televisions, and speakers, enabling education through an engaging audio-visual medium.
"Each van has two dedicated teachers, a driver, and a helper to facilitate smooth operations," he said.
Beyond education, the project has conducted 96 life-skills workshops, 95 parent-teacher meetings, and regular Badhte Kadam sessions to build confidence, communication, and awareness.
Days of global importance — from World Against Child Labour Day to International Yoga Day — are celebrated with games, art, and open discussions.
Project coordinator Meenakshi shares that more children are being identified and enrolled each month, with strong community support and regular engagement from local police. "Their presence adds both safety and trust to our efforts," she said.
Nidhi Pundhir, director, HCL Foundation, emphasises the larger mission: "We are committed to creating safe, nurturing spaces where every child, regardless of background, can grow and thrive.
'Nanhe Parinde' is one such beacon — a powerful step toward a more compassionate world."
As the sun dips low over Lucknow, Prem and Priyanka finish their worksheets and smile — shy but proud. They may still live near the railway tracks or roadside stalls, but thanks to Nanhe Parinde, their hearts now carry something they never had before — a future.