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School and local area destroyed in fire.
At around 1am on November 02nd  2005, fire broke out within the ‘Juggi Cluster’ – the collection of tents and other makeshift shelters that make up the community of Viklang Basti.
Our school was completely destroyed by the fire, nothing but a few papers lying at the spot where our new building once stood. It is very sad for the children, who have lost all the work they have been doing in the classes since the school was built in May.
 Amazingly, there were no casualties – but around 40 families were affected by the fire. Many of these people, who had little enough before the fire, have lost everything. As daybreak came, the scene was heartbreaking, with families sifting through the ashes searching for any items that could be saved..
JBF were quickly at the scene, with some food supplies and clothing – many of those affected by the fire escaped with only their night clothes.
Yogesh and Anil are pictured preparing a vegetable curry which was served with rice.
 As Viklang Basti is an ‘illegal settlement’ (it being a collection of shelters next to Delhi’s main sewerage channel) there is no state help for these people. The task of rebuilding their homes is on their shoulders only.
We have put up a temporary tent for taking the classes once again. When the families affected by the fire have re-established themselves, we will again build our permanent class. There is a risk that if we build the permanent structure while people remain homeless, the building may be taken for living in.
 Miss Sandhya stands with some of the children who are attending our Informal School. The enthusiasm for education has not diminished at all and everyone is now looking forward to the new school being built.
I will be in Viklang Basti by 30th November and I will be working with JBF(I) and the residents on the best way to move forward. I will send the latest news in an update at the end of December. Thanks for your continued support through these rather difficult times.
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Crossroads Appeal Delhi
