From witnessing the ‘disappearance’ of her father to marrying against her family wishes Anjana Bugum has seen it all and lived it too.

“I married Muslim against the wishes of my family and broke all family ties. However, when I gave birth to my first child my family accepted me back and embraced my husband,” says Anjana, who works at Taraknath Maternity and Child Welfare Centre in West Bengal.

Her father worked in a private firm and when it closed down he had to leave his wife and two children behind and go off to Nagaland to work. For months they had no news of him and then his first letter arrived. He would regularly send them money and even visited the family twice or thrice a year.

This went on for a few years and then suddenly both, the letters and money stopped coming. “We never heard of him ever again,” reports Anjana. “He seemed to have just disappeared.”

The volunteer

Her husband is a fruit seller and they have two children. Yet they are happy even as they struggle to make both ends meet. Their daughter is enrolled in the Children International- SAHAY sponsorship program and this brought Anjana to the Community Centre where her first-hand experience motivated her to get involved in the capacity of a volunteer.

“I was impressed up with the program and its various components,” says Anjana. “Particularly as it enabled a child to grow into a healthy and educated youth who is skilled to establish himself/herself in the society,” she adds.

Another factor which motivated her to become a volunteer was her desire to serve her community with all her capabilities and at the same time, enrich her experiences.

“As a volunteer,” she opines. “I have stood by the people of my locality whenever they require my help and advice. Like a few instances of taking children to the hospital when they were hurt after a fall while playing. I have been able to serve my duties and create a place of respect for myself in the community,” declares Anjana.

According to her she can handle medical emergencies like giving first-aid, taking an injured person to the hospital – with care and calmness. Anjana has even fought against injustice against domestic violence in the community including speaking with police personnel without hesitation on such issues.

She is a good cook, manages crowds well and can mobilize youth and the community people for various programs held.

What have been her learning experiences?

Anjana says, “Being a volunteer has enabled me to be compassionate towards all and help me to be more confident. I have learnt about children rights and how to handle the violation of their rights.”

She signs off by saying, “My work as a volunteer for the program has made me a complete person. I will be forever, obliged to it. The experience has molded me into the person I am today and will ever stay.”

(Anjana is a volunteer with Children International-SAHAY for the last few years. The Kolkata based NGO works with about 26,000 children and youth in several districts of West Bengal. SAHAY is affiliated to Children International, Kansas City, USA. More details on www.children.org )