Summer fun with foster children

Twenty-one children who lived in different children’s homes under the Social Justice Department in the district had their happiest moments of life on Thursday. They joined some foster families which assured them love and care during the summer vacation.

Thanks to the novel initiative by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and the District Child Protection Unit, the maiden vacation foster camp titled ‘Summer Treat’ for the inmates of children’s homes at Tavanur, Vellimadukunnu, and Vengara provided a unique experience for all.

Novel initiative

Malappuram is showing the country how to foster destitute and orphans during the vacation. ‘‘It’s for the first time in the country. We have found a beautiful way for our children to spend their vacation,’’ said CWC chairman Sharif Ullath and members Najmal Babu Korambayil and Haris Panchili.

More than 160 families evinced interest when the CWC mooted the idea. After a thorough multi-layered screening, 18 families were chosen for fostering the children. Among them were families with and without children.

Abdul Rahman from Tirur chose to foster a little girl, who will be companion for his three children. His wife and children were beaming in joy as they took home the little girl along with them.

‘‘We will have people offering money to the poor children. But taking care of them in your own home along with your kids is something great,’’ said District Child Protection Officer Sameer Machingal.

P. Ubaidulla, MLA, inaugurated the foster camp. He lauded the CWC and those working for children for opening up the concept of fostering. More Muslim families were expected for fostering as adoption in Muslim community was difficult. However, nearly 60 per cent of those who came for fostering were Hindu families. K.P. Shaji, psychologist and Juvenile Justice Board member, offered a class on parenting.

21 residents of children’s homes in Malappuram will spend their summer vacation in the midst of love and care of foster families.