Life often presents challenges that require extraordinary strength and resilience to overcome. This story is a testament to the power of a collaborative community. The journey begins with a woman who seeks work to run her home. A remarkable woman, who worked as a domestic help for many years while she shouldered the responsibilities of being the primary breadwinner and a loving mother. However, her family faced unique challenges, including an absentee and undependable handicapped spouse. She raised her firstborn whilst working in people’s homes as a domestic help and aid to an elderly woman. Her determination to provide her children with a better future knew no bounds. She navigated the complexities of securing school fee subsidies to ensure her son received an education that would open doors to opportunities. Even in the face of financial hardship, she managed to sustain employment with the help of ZUN Foundation and provide vital medical aid and support for her family.
Two years later, she welcomed a second son into the family. However, the burden of being the sole breadwinner grew heavier, as her spouse's prolonged absence and disengagement from the care of the boys placed an even greater load on her shoulders.
Touheed and Tousif grew up under the nurturing care of their devoted mother, aunts and cousins. Despite the financial difficulties, their education remained a top priority. However, her selflessness took a toll on her own health as she neglected her well-being to put food on the table and keep her children in school. Tragically, during the pandemic, her health deteriorated further, and medical assistance arrived a little too late. This left the family grappling with the immense challenge of caring for the two boys, particularly with their father absent. Though their extended family, including their aunts, welcomed them with open arms, their own financial constraints made it increasingly difficult to manage the additional financial burden.
It was precisely at this juncture that ZUN Foundation, through its expansive network, took on a larger involvement in the boys’ lives and stepped in to provide a lifeline for the boys. The Foundation identified a home for them -The YET Orphanage in Bommasandra. This Islamic orphanage, under the care of Mrs. Ghousia Mahmood, offered the boys a new beginning.
The YET Orphanage, a well-maintained property with a picturesque setting, became a home away from home. The boys found themselves in the capable hands of the ten-member team led by Mrs Mahmood, and assisted by her immediate family, who ensured the enrollment of the boys in reputed mainstream schools. Now, 15 and 12 years, the boys are currently attending Chaitanya School and Indus International School respectively. Their daily routine includes completing school assignments and participating in religious classes and prayer as a way to stay connected to the community just as their mother had intended for them. Here, they have formed bonds with fellow co-boarders, both girls and boys, sharing every hot meal as a family. Moreover, dedicated teachers are on hand to guide them through their studies, assist with lessons, and provide support for their projects.
The home, through their donors, also ensures that they receive frequent medical check-ups and follow-ups three to four times a year from doctors as well as purchase and provide basic medication to them.
When asked about their experience, the boys spoke of the friends they had made and the quality of education they were receiving from the teachers in the schools who had created a comfortable and approachable environment for the boys to ask questions and learn. They shared that all of them live together in bunk bedded rooms and share a positive relationship as a big family. Tousif expressed that his favourite subject was Science and dreams of becoming an Engineer, while Touheed showed an interest in Political Science and aspires to become an IPS officer.
While living at the home, they remain connected to their aunts, who visit them regularly. Holidays and long weekends provide opportunities for them to return home and celebrate festivals with their cousins and strengthen their bonds with their extended family.
The transformational power of the community continues to support the boys as they work and aspire to pursue their dreams.
