“I miss my mum a lot, but I love Nadeem [Orphans in Need worker] who cares for me.”
These are the word of Azeemuddin who is six years old.We first met Azeemuddin in early 2012.
We received a call telling us about a young boy had just lost both of his parents to TB and was suffering from the disease himself. Both his parents were manual workers, originally from Bihar, who had moved to Delhi. Their illness, subsequent death and lack of a family support structure had left Azeemuddin alone and living on the streets. He could not read or write, having received no formal education whatsoever.
We gave him medical treatment and somewhere to live. When his health started to improve, we provided Azeemuddin with oneto-one tuition. He is eager to learn and the progress he has made in reading and writing hints towards a brighter academic future.
Azeemuddin’s health has also improved dramatically and he is well on his way towards making a full recovery.
“I like it here with Orphans in Need,” says Azeemuddin. “I am very happy; thank you.”
Salma, who lives in Kashmir lost her husband in 1992, and not long after, her son and daughter-in-law died in an accident.
“I’m old and helpless,” she says. Salma became the sole carer of her three orphaned grandchildren. With no income or help, she struggled to house, feed and clothe herself as well as her 3 grandchildren.
In desperation, Salma agreed to marry off her 14-year-old granddaughter. The girl would have become a victim of underage forced marriage.
Thankfully, we heard about Salma’s story and helped by providing food, clothing and education for herself and her grandchildren.
We arranged for the forced marriage not to take place and Salma’s granddaughter could continue to stay with her siblings and get an education.
Today, the family are living together. Salma’s grandchildren are comfortable, safe and going to school.
“I couldn’t carry on looking after my grandchildren if I did not receive the support I do from the [Orphans in Need] charity,” says Salma. “I am always making duaa for everyone who cares for me and other people like me.”
