Young and old people gather in an alleyway outside the village salon. It is Saturday, the busiest day at Hemant’s shop. He charges ₹10 for a shave and ₹20 for a haircut. On a day like this, Hemant gets anywhere from 30 to 50 customers and earns around ₹500. 

Hemant, 31, has been a barber for 17 years, more out of necessity than anything else. He dropped out of school and got married at the age of 13, while his wife Vandana was just 12 years old. Child marriage was common in the community back then, and in Hemant’s case, his father’s early demise accelerated the process. As the eldest son, he began to take care of his mother and three younger siblings. 

From 2003 to 2007, Hemant worked at a barber shop in Lalitpur town, an hour’s ride from his village. He had to look after his siblings and his young family. His dream was to become a policeman, but he never had the chance to realise it. He felt as though he never got the opportunity to succeed. 

“I couldn’t stay in school because I had to look after my family. I couldn’t do anything because I wasn’t educated,” says Hemant. 

Hemant spent a lot of time away from his family, working for others. He wanted to start his own business but lacked the capital. In 2007, Hemant received a hair-cutting kit from World Vision (WV) India. He took this opportunity to open a shop at his home in the village. 

“For the first few days, I had so many customers that I could hardly take a break. I had never earned so much money,” says Hemant, smiling. He had worked as a labourer and a farmer, in addition to being a barber. These were all poorly paid jobs, but by having his own business, he was able to earn more. 

“I didn’t have to pay rent or work for anyone. I also get to spend a lot of time with my family,” says Hemant. 

The business that started 13 years ago with the help of WV India is still the primary source of income for his family. Hemant and his wife, Vandana, are raising three children: Govind (15), Rubi (11), and Madhuram (7). Govind is in the 9th standard and has surpassed his father’s education, as Hemant dropped out after the 8th standard. 

Govind, Rubi, and Madhuram all attended a Remedial Education Centre run by WV India and are members of WV India’s children’s clubs. 

On a busy day, like today, Govind helps his father Hemant sweep the floor and look after the shop. There is no shame in this for Hemant, who began his apprenticeship as a barber by observing and sweeping the floor of the barbershop. 

Hemant observes that a lot has changed in the community since WV India began working here two decades ago. Child marriage has stopped, and school dropout rates are negligible. Now, Hemant’s village has many boys and girls who attend college. 

Hemant and Vandana have also opened a small shop near the barbershop. Hemant credits WV India for giving him that push. They are now able to afford private coaching for their children. “I want to educate them to help them achieve whatever they want to become,” says Hemant. 

- Jim Kasom 

Labels: #barber #childmarriage #children #livelihood #school #worldvision #worldvisionindia