Short film by Kerala Social Justice Department to celebrate goodness of foster care
Kozhikode: The Social Justice Department is mulling producing a short film based on a real life story to promote the foster care programme. The touching story unfolded in Kollam district two years ago when 10-year old Saneesha landed at the government children’s home along with mother, Lasitha.
Saneesha’s father died and afterwards her father’s relatives become rude to Lasitha and her daughter. They were forced to leave the home and unable to bear the torture, Lasitha lost her mind. Soon, Saneesha became an inmate of the children’s home and Lasitha was sheltered at the Government women’s home.
It was then that the government introduced the vacation foster care programme for the first time. Shamla Beevi, Saneesha’s teacher at the Govt U.P School Nallila visited Saneesha along with her daughter Fida. Fida and Saneesha became thick friends and knowing about the foster care programme, Shamla was happy to become Saneesha’s foster parent.
Shamla’s entire family backed her and the Saneesha-Fida’s bonding blossomed at their house. Saneesha called Shamla, ‘Teacherumma’ and she soon became a member of that family. Each inquiry report of the district child protection officer registered the joy and security of Saneesha.
After the two-month vacation, it was time for the girl to return. The sorrow and tears of the two kids caused the authorities to extend the term. Meanwhile, Lasitha recovered and officials found a job for her.
Later, Saneesha and her mother returned to their house and are now leading a quiet life. The families of Lasitha and Shamla still meet frequently fuelled by the Saneesha-Fida bond out of the foster care programme. “That incident was beyond our expectation. The security and affection felt by Saneesha in a family ambience were overwhelming,” says K.K Subair, then Kollam district probation officer.
This story will come alive on the screen and the SJ department has set aside Rs two lakh for the production.
(The names of children and their kin have been changed)
