“If I can study, I do not mind shifting from my house,” said 14-year-old Lali who was waiting to move to a new ‘home’ along with her sister Maya, 7, and brother Kichu, 9.
The children were brought to the shelter home Don Bosco Nivas here by Childline, a 24-hour emergency centre for children in distress, on Saturday. According to Childline officer S.R. Ratheesh, the death of their mother a week ago had left the children in the care of their drunken father and bedridden grandmother.
The demise of their grandmother three days ago came as another blow to them. “We received a call from Attingal MLA B. Satyan detailing the situation of the family. The house has no proper lighting and latrine facilities,” said Mr. Ratheesh.
Exams next week
Director of Don Bosco Nivas P.D. Thomas said that the children would be presented before the Child Welfare Committee and provided a suitable shelter. “Firstly, arrangements will be made for them to take their annual examinations scheduled next week,” said the director.
