Holistic development of slum residents

Ashfaque, an 18-year-old from a slum near Tala Park, faced extreme financial struggles as his father, a rickshaw puller, could barely support their family of seven. As the eldest of five siblings, he felt the weight of responsibility and decided to leave school before his Class 10 board exams to find work. However, the teachers at Calcutta Rescue’s Education Project refused to give up on him.

Since Ashfaque was four years old, Calcutta Rescue has supported him and his siblings with education, nutrition, and healthcare. Subhajit, head teacher of the Tala Park Education Project, encouraged Ashfaque to continue his studies, knowing his potential. With their support, Ashfaque not only completed his exams but also pursued the science stream, scoring 72% in his Class 12 boards.

Fueled by a love for learning, Ashfaque began preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination to become an engineer. His efforts were recognized when he received a scholarship from The Telegraph School Awards for his outstanding academic performance.

Ashfaque’s journey highlights the power of education and persistence. Reflecting on his teachers’ unwavering support, he says, “I couldn’t have done this without them.” His father, beaming with pride, shares, “Ashfaque’s success gives us hope.” Now, as Ashfaque prepares for the next step, he hopes his story inspires others, proving that hard work can overcome even the toughest challenges.

Mental Health Counselling at Calcutta Rescue
At Calcutta Rescue, mental health counselling is a core component of our support system, emphasizing regular sessions on issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, teenage issues, body image, and bullying prevention. Our efforts aim to create an environment where students feel comfortable discussing their struggles and seeking help.

Fostering Emotional Expression
Rahul, a 15-year-old student, shared his insights: “Boys are often told to stay silent and not show weakness. But through our workshops at Calcutta Rescue, we’ve learned that it’s okay to express emotions. Self-harm often stems from repressed feelings.” His reflection highlights the crucial role of emotional openness and support in leading a healthier life and maintaining stable, long-term mental well-being.

Insights from Counsellor Suchandra
Counsellor Suchandra highlighted the unique pressures faced by teenagers and young adults: “The pressures of responsibilities, emotions, and relationships can be particularly intense among teenagers and young adults. Their brains are still developing, and it is very common for young people to act unreasonably or engage in risky behaviour. Most of this is quite normal as young people develop and begin to mature.”

The Importance of Mental Health Support
Observing Mental Health Awareness Month in May, it is crucial to recognize the life-saving importance of mental health counselling. Suchandra noted, “When young people learn to cope with intense emotions or calm themselves in difficult situations, they are likely to feel good about themselves. Managing life’s small worries so they don’t become big problems and doing things they are anxious about instead of avoiding uncomfortable situations are all good for their mental wellbeing.”

A Tragic Story of Loss
Rahul shared a poignant story of loss and regret. “I couldn’t help my friend when he committed suicide,” he said, his voice heavy with grief. His friend, not a student of Calcutta Rescue, had confided in Rahul about the abuse he faced at home but never disclosed the severity of his despair. “Even after asking him countless times, he never told me how bad things were,” Rahul shared, recounting his friend’s gradual withdrawal despite outwardly maintaining a smile.

Suchandra explained that Rahul’s friend might have been suffering from depression due to his toxic home environment, seeing self-harm and suicide as the only escape. She emphasized, “It is not unusual for young people to exhibit undesirable behaviours, such as lashing out, isolating, or making risky decisions. Growing up is hard; increased responsibilities are stressful, and emotions are often difficult to manage through puberty.”

Conclusion
Calcutta Rescue’s commitment to mental health counselling is vital in helping young people navigate the complexities of adolescence. By fostering an environment of openness and support, we aim to prevent tragedies and promote emotional wellbeing, ensuring that students like Rahul and his peers have the tools they need to cope with life’s challenges.