The platforms of Sealdah railway station, Calcutta, are home to many children who have run away, or whose migration into town with their families ended here. Many make a living scavenging or carrying bags, or resort to picking pockets and petty crime. It's a tough life and these youngsters are exposed to all sorts of dangers - accidents, assault and sexual abuse. Nazir is ten and came to Calcutta on the train some years ago. His mother, a domestic worker, lives an hour away. He does not know his father. Nazir wanted to study but his mother made him go to work with her, so he ran away. He lived on the platform with his brother, collecting empty bottles which he sells for two rupees (three pence) each.
The platforms of Sealdah railway station, Calcutta, are home to many children who have run away, or whose migration into town with their families ended here. Many make a living scavenging or carrying bags, or resort to picking pockets and petty crime. It's a tough life and these youngsters are exposed to all sorts of dangers - accidents, assault and sexual abuse.
Nazir is ten and came to Calcutta on the train some years ago. His mother, a domestic worker, lives an hour away. He does not know his father. Nazir wanted to study but his mother made him go to work with her, so he ran away. He lived on the platform with his brother, collecting empty bottles which he sells for two rupees (three pence) each.
These days Nazir attends the Sealdah Platform School. At the end of one platform, an old signal box has been converted to a classroom. Inside, up to 50 children are shouting, playing and drawing. A few hours ago they were learning to read and write. Yesterday they had their weekly dancing lesson.
At night, the signal box becomes a shelter where the boys can stay in safety.
Each child has a locker where they can keep their belongings and gain a sense of personal identity. Sealdah Platform School may not be a home, but belonging there is the next best thing.
Taken from UNICEF UK's report 'Growing Up Alone'
