The child in them, for once, swung, hopped on merry-go-rounds and frolicked on seesaws today. Circumstances otherwise have ensured that these children assume the role of adults. Most of these children of a lesser God, coming from broken families and some living in the streets got together to celebrate pre-Christmas and also perhaps the joys of being a child. Childline organized the pre-Christmas get together at the Don Bosco School here in this hill state of Meghalaya in northeast India.
12-year-old Ibalang (names changed) said she works as a housemaid. Her contribution towards her family of seven siblings and single mother is immense.
"Normally I don't get time to play. When I get back home I am tired and go to bed," she said. Ibalang was here early hours today playing most of the time, with other children with the expectance of a Christmas gift.
"I want a dress," she added coyly. The elder brother in Kordor (15) was responsible in bringing his 8-year-old brother for the celebration. Kordor is a newspaper vendor.
Kordor brought his brother along because he had not witnessed a Christmas celebration before in their family of five siblings and single mother.
For others like Suresh (14) living on the street for years now, today was a rare opportunity to expect for gifts from someone. He scavenges for rags and sells them and earns barely for his daily food.
Tomorrow these kids would again be lost in the crowd of adults leaving behind their innocence! (EOM)
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