After class five, my older brother said this is enough, make him a 'beldar' (load-carrying worker), let him bring in some money. But my mother protested, 'I am bringing in the daily wage, am I not? Let him study!'

" The most fun was making a Ravana! I would make intricate designs in his costum. Finally when on Dussera the effigy of Ravana went up in flames I would swell up with pride and think - we made that"

Sharda, Delhi Police personnel

Sharda is part of the Delhi Police Force. Her life story began as a neglected toddler of an invalid mother and labourer father, third of four siblings. At three years her dreary world looked brighter when she began going to the Rajghat Mobile Creches centre and discovered the little joys of childhood through song, dance and painting. Sharda got admission in the government school at age five and began dividing her day between school in the mornings and the centre in the afternoons, doing her homework and enjoying the security of her surroundings.

In her teens, inspired by the centre activities, Sharda started teaching the women in the basti to read and write. She completed school and learnt other skills such as knitting, crochet and embroidery. The crèche didis were always there for her, helping out and lending a sympathetic ear. Sharda was in the second year of college when her father suddenly passed away. Undeterred she set up a small business in stitching garments.

In a few years Sharda was married. Although she continued earning, her husband and mother-in-law would give her scant respect and take away her earnings. Life got worse as they inflicted physical violence on her. The MC Centre saw her through these difficult times and helped her seek legal advice and complain to the special women's cell. They boosted her confidence by asking her to help out - especially to talk to the mothers on such issues.

Sharda decided she needed to expand the horizons of her narrow world. She completed a one-year Childcare Training and followed it with another year's training in Civil Defense. She was then offered a job with the Delhi Police and decided to take the plunge.

Shyamveer, Teacher

A little boy accompanied his father to the city in search of work, leaving behind an ailing mother and the rest of his family. Shyamveer was all of seven, and his father was determined that he should not waste his time on the streets, but get an education instead. So he did what he thought was best. He enrolled him in the Mobile Creches centre closest to his place of work.

The village boy played truant - he only turned up when the milk and porridge was served, and ran away from studies. But the crèche didis guided him firmly back on path, and coaxed him into a routine. Once the doors of knowledge opened, Shyamveer became greedy for more and soon he was enrolled in Class III in the government school.

From the rough and tumble of an aimless life, Shyamveer now lost himself in the world of books and children's magazines. He received the Sohanlal Trust scholarship every year, from Class VI to XII and soon he had graduated from college. Life was not always smooth sailing for the young man. Often, financial constraints weighed him down, but his friends pitched in and saw him through. He remembers this generosity and never fails to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Shyamveer wished to be a chartered accountant but had to take up a job as a teacher in a government school instead, to support his family.

The role of a teacher and mentor sit well upon his shoulders. Today he is always there for his students - lending books, encouraging those who lag behind, and helping his neighbours' children.

Kanta, Lakshmi, Shanti - the new vanguard

Some of our alumni have found the most rewarding work within Mobile Creches - they work as teachers, trainers and administrators, working with the same dedication and love they saw in the didis who cared for them.

Kanta Singh is an active member of the Lokdoot theatre group, since acting and singing are among her outstanding talents. She has learnt various theatre techniques and folk forms and takes the message of social change across to the community in the most creative way possible. Her close interaction with the community has given her the role of a guide and mentor.

Lakshmi Roka has found a niche for herself in the adolescent support programme - she feels she can communicate best with this age group. She has won over their confidence and trust through hobby clubs and other group activities. Lakshmi has participated in several workshops, skillfully discussing sensitive issues such as sexual health, domestic violence and gender inequity, and has taught several youngsters to become peer trainers themselves.

Shanti, another alumnus of MC, is a dedicated teacher, known for her artistic creativity. She creates magic with waste materials by fashioning puppets, colourful charts, flash cards and other educational materials. Story-writing is another of her fortes, as is singing. This versatile person shares her creativity with generous empathy.