Real Life Stories - Binod's story

Binod is 13 years old, and used to live with his father and stepmother.  He has been involved in stealing since he was young, and his stepmother even rewarded him for bringing home valuable items.  He started to spend more time living and sleeping on the street, only returning home when he had something to give his stepmother. 

Binod and his parents were interrogated by the police, and received complaints from local community members.  A year ago he moved out to live fully on the street, to avoid his family being forced out of the community.  He started hanging out with older kids who encouraged or forced him to steal for the group.  He has been arrested more than ten times by police, often just to be an informant, but this would mean trouble later from the older gang members.

During this time, Binod came into contact with the JYOTI street project.  He was helped most by counselling and support from peer educators and social workers.  Binod was fed up with being used, and once he understood his own situation his behaviour started to change.  He no longer hangs out with the older kids or steals, and has quit using drugs.  He has spent a lot of time in the day centre or night shelter, and enjoys being a member of the kitchen club, preparing food for cooking.  He is also a regular student in the non-formal education classes, and has an account with the Children's Development Bank.

Binod dreams of opening his own business, or if not becoming a driver.  He most enjoys the evenings at the night shelter, where things are relaxed and informal, and he has the opportunity to spend more time with staff.  In particular he likes and respects one of the peer educators, Lila, for the support and motivation she gave him to become what he calls a ‘big person'.