Simba (name changed) was just 10 when he lost his father following a tragic incident over a land dispute. His mother, a homemaker, was left absolutely devastated. However, to run the household and to take care of Simba and his seven-year-old brother, she was compelled to take on daily wage labor. She started selling vegetables at the weekly village market to provide for her family. That was, unfortunately, not enough.
In view of the economic hardships, she admitted Simba to Cornerstone Children’s Home in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. Simba was of course not happy staying at the institution and continued to miss his family. He, however, excelled in school, consistently getting good grades.
Some time had passed by. In early 2019, as Miracle Foundation India was shifting its focus from institutional care to FS and F-BAC, Cornerstone Children’s Home also started evolving its model – from traditional residential care to F-BAC. The team subsequently initiated Simba’s pre-reintegration processes, along with those of other children at the institution. The social workers performed home safety checks using Miracle Foundation India’s Thrive Scale™, which assesses the situation across five well-being domains, in addition to conducting risk assessments.
Through regular conversations, it was found that Simba had a strong desire to live with his mother. The team empowered him with life skills education, career counseling and computer skills. The counseling sessions with his mother focused on strengthening their relationship further. Simba was finally reintegrated with his mother in September 2020.
The Thrive Scale™ played a crucial role in supporting Simba’s family. Based on a Home Thrive Scale™ assessment, various interventions were facilitated to improve the family’s financial situation. The family received a cow as part of a livelihood support initiative, enabling them to generate income by selling milk to the local Milk Cooperative Society. This provided a modest but vital income for the family. Additionally, financial assistance was provided for school fees, exams, uniforms and a bicycle for Simba. And he ended up scoring 90% in his Grade 10 exams; he was recognized as an outstanding student!
And Simba continues to thrive academically, completing his Grade 12 with outstanding results. His goal now is to pursue a degree in B. Tech. Robotics.
Now, isn’t this story a testament to the power of resilience and impactful collaboration? The family is building a brighter future today, overcoming their past hardships with strength and determination.
With a focus on familial bonds and community integration, Cornerstone Children’s Home, by 2023, has successfully facilitated the transition of all 166 children back into family settings, including reintegration with birth families and kinship care. Miracle Foundation India remains committed to facilitating safe and permanent transition of children from institutions to families and ensuring children stay with their families.
The team also linked the family to various government social protection schemes, including a ₹1,000 widow pension per month; a Farmer Benefit Card through which they received loans of ₹80,000 and ₹53,000; a health insurance card; and an unorganized labor scheme card which provided ₹7,000. The family also received a toilet facility via the Swachh Bharat Mission. Besides, Simba was registered under the Government of India’s Mission Vatsalya scheme through which he would receive ₹4,000 once the application is processed. Additionally, his mother joined a Women’s Self-Help Group in their village.
Today, Simba’s mother is an empowered woman, managing her household and raising her children well. The family is gradually becoming more self-sufficient.