When we first met Muthumari, she was bright-eyed and eager to learn. 

 

But one afternoon she didn’t come to the Hub. Our team went to find her. They found her working to keep the family afloat.

That’s when the truth came out.

Her father had been in an accident and could no longer work. Her mother was struggling with serious breathing problems.

 

But soon we discovered the weight she carried—her father was disabled after an accident, her mother was struggling with illness, and at just 11 years old, Muthumari was working in a flower shop while caring for her two little sisters.

 

At the Children’s Hub she found compassionate facilitators. They built her trust through play. They created a safe place for her to talk to them about her struggles. She was so tired and weary from supporting her family: 

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“I shared everything with my facilitator Selvi Akka. She gave me moral support.”  

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Child labour is a critical issue facing children like Muthumari who are from marginalised backgrounds. That’s why our team receives regular mentoring and training. This helps them spot the signs of child labour and take action. 

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After coming to know how Muthumari had taken on the family’s responsibilities at such a young age, Selvi stepped in.  

 

As the eldest of three sisters, Muthumari was holding the whole family together. She worked. She cooked. She cleaned. She cared for her little sisters. All of this — at just 11 years old.

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Our experienced team visited her family. They explained how important her education is. Her family listened and understood.

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Her mother was excited to share the news with us, "We stopped sending our daughter to work." Her father now has a job at a hotel. He has found work he can manage with his disability.  He was so relieved.   

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Muthumari told us, “I now feel happy that I can spend more time with my friends and my sisters. I want to become a doctor!  I will be able to treat the elderly and the poor who could not afford it”.   

 

​She told us: "I went to the summer camp, I found myself through drawing, painting and theatre. I finally know myself through theatre. This is the one - this is what I want to participate in. I can easily shout and raise my voice."

 

Muthamari's family still struggles for food, and her education remains at risk.​ For families like this, Paper Boat is a lifeline.

 

With your support, Muthumari can continue to grow with her sisters, and step into the brighter future she deserves.