During the field visits, we saw how families engaged in waste picking work hope for a different future for their children. Some parents spoke about aspirations for their children to receive education and have opportunities beyond the sanitation work they themselves have had to depend on.

For many parents, the hope is for their children to not inherit the livelihood and the associated health issues that their parents had to struggle with. They want their children to have the freedom to study, explore opportunities, and choose their own future. 

This sketch reflects that hope—a mother holding her child's hand as she looks towards a safer and healthier future for her child. 

Acknowledgements:

We acknowledge Dr. Upendra Bhojani for his support for this work and the Hasiru Dala (Ms. Akshatha, Ms. Anupriya, Ms. Gayathri) team for their collaboration and support as part of the study.

Edited by Parth Sharma
Image by Janvi Bokoliya