Anesh

Anesh has called the street home for over 15 years. When he was just 8 years old, he had to navigate one of life’s harshest experiences when both his parents died. As second-generation street children, he, his brother and sister were used to life on the street, but without their parents to keep and eye on them, just surviving became tougher overnight.

“I felt my life would end on the street. I didn’t have any legal identity, which made me sad. It was hard for me to get a job because I didn’t have any skills.”

Anesh spent most of his time on the streets with his friends, using drugs as a coping mechanism and begging to survive. From time to time, he would also work at one of the city’s crematoriums.

Help on the horizon

Fortunately, it wasn’t long before SathSath, Toybox’s partner in Nepal, met him and were able to start supporting him and his siblings through the challenges they were facing through medical support, access to food and other basic needs, recreational activities and non-formal education. Anesh also got involved in a football training project, which he really enjoyed. Soon though, it became apparent that he didn’t have his birth certificate, which prevented him from enrolling in the national football training squad. Thanks to his involvement at the project however, Anesh was able to access the support he needed to get his official identity.

“Coming to the project has changed my life by helping me get my birth registration and citizenship.” Anesh

A birth certificate and new skills

In becoming an official citizen, a multitude of new opportunities presented themselves to Anesh for his future and he started to think about his dreams. Despite still working in the crematorium, he always wanted to be a driver. Thanks to his newly acquired birth certificate and SathSath’s support, he was able to start a vocational training course as a driver. He enrolled in a local driving school and is currently improving all his practical skills and preparing for his written theory test. Once he has done both of those, he will be ready to apply for his driving licence.

“I feel very happy because SathSath has positively changed my life. I am so thankful because now I don’t use drugs as much and I’m looking forward to my future. Sitting behind the steering wheel, I feel so proud of myself.” Anesh

Dreams for the future

It will take Anesh some time to save enough money to buy his own car, but for now, he is practising his skills in the van owned by SathSath. He plans to work for a taxi company or become a delivery driver to kickstart his savings that will move him towards his dream of having his own car.

“I feel happy that SathSath have helped me become a better person and change my bad habits. I feel lucky to have the chance to learn to drive. In the future, I hope I will be able to move off the streets completely and work hard for a good future. I am also planning to work as a driver in other countries too.” Anesh