The Harsh Reality of India's Waste Pickers In India, millions live in dire poverty, scavenging through hazardous dump sites to earn a meager $3 daily. These conditions expose them to fatal diseases and perpetuate a cycle of poverty due to the country's vast waste production and wealth disparity. Urban slums further highlight this struggle with unsafe living environments like homes built near railway tracks where accidents are common.
Transforming Lives Through Education: The Story of Till Jala Shed Till Jala Shed is an organization founded by Alum Gear that has been transforming lives for 36 years by providing education opportunities for vulnerable children trapped in cycles of child labor and poverty. One such story is Akbar's—a boy who dreamed of becoming an engineer but had no access to schooling until he was enrolled at age 12; now he's thriving academically thanks to their support. Beyond academics, they nurture talents through extracurricular activities while helping families financially stabilize.
Expanding Hope Amidst Overwhelming Challenges Despite its significant impact on over 20,000 children’s lives so far, Till Jala Shed faces immense challenges addressing widespread need across communities reliant on waste picking for survival. With external funding from Beast Philanthropy among others—providing essentials like computers or fridges—they aim not only immediate relief but long-term societal transformation via expanded operations throughout Kolkata & beyond ensuring brighter futures ahead even amidst adversity faced daily today