ENGLISH PROJECT
Lost Spring – Child Labour and Living Conditions in Slums
Cover Page
Topic: Lost Spring – Child Labour and Living Conditions in Slums
Submitted By: __________
Class: XII
Roll No.: __________
School: __________
Session: 2025–26
Objectives
• To understand the theme of poverty in Lost Spring.
• To study the living conditions in Indian slums.
• To analyze the causes and effects of child labour.
• To create awareness about children’s rights and education.
• To suggest measures for improving the lives of underprivileged children.
Certificate
This is to certify that __________ of Class XII has successfully completed the English project
titled "Lost Spring – Child Labour and Living Conditions in Slums" under the guidance of the
English teacher during the academic session 2025–26.
Action Plan
Day 1 – Selection of Topic
Day 2 – Collection of Information
Day 3 – Research on Slums and Child Labour
Day 4 – Preparation of Graphs and Pictures
Day 5 – Writing of Report
Day 6 – Revision and Final Compilation
Project Report
Introduction
Lost Spring by Anees Jung highlights the harsh realities faced by poor children in India. The
chapter presents two stories: Saheb-e-Alam, a ragpicker from Seemapuri, and Mukesh, a boy
from Firozabad who belongs to a family of bangle makers. Through these characters, the
author exposes poverty, exploitation, lack of education, and child labour.
The title "Lost Spring" symbolizes the loss of childhood. Spring is associated with joy, hope,
and growth, but these children are deprived of such opportunities.
Living Conditions in Slums
Slums are overcrowded settlements where people live in poor conditions with limited
access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.
Major Problems in Slums:
• Overcrowding
• Poor sanitation
• Lack of clean drinking water
• Unemployment
• Malnutrition
• Crime and insecurity
• Lack of educational facilities
Child Labour in India
Child labour refers to the employment of children in work that interferes with their
education and development.
Causes of Child Labour:
• Poverty
• Illiteracy
• Unemployment of parents
• Large family size
• Lack of awareness
• Social inequality
Effects of Child Labour:
• Loss of education
• Poor health
• Physical and mental stress
• Exploitation
• Continuation of poverty
Case Study: Saheb-e-Alam
Saheb is a young ragpicker who searches through garbage for valuable items. He does not
attend school because his family cannot afford education. Later, he gets a job at a tea stall,
but loses his carefree smile and freedom.
Case Study: Mukesh
Mukesh belongs to a family of bangle makers in Firozabad. Workers spend long hours in
unhealthy conditions. Mukesh dreams of becoming a motor mechanic and breaking free
from the cycle of poverty.
Education as a Solution
Education is the most powerful tool for eliminating child labour. It provides awareness,
better employment opportunities, social equality, and an improved standard of living.
Major Slums in India
• Dharavi (Mumbai)
• Seelampur (Delhi)
• Bhalswa (Delhi)
• Rajendra Nagar (Bengaluru)
Measures to Reduce Child Labour
1. Strict implementation of child labour laws.
2. Free and quality education.
3. Financial support to poor families.
4. Awareness campaigns.
5. Skill development programmes.
6. Better housing and sanitation.
Conclusion
Lost Spring is a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by millions of underprivileged
children. Through Saheb and Mukesh, Anees Jung highlights poverty and child labour. Every
child deserves education, dignity, and a secure future.
Graph Ideas
Pie Chart: Reasons for Child Labour
Poverty – 40%
Lack of Education – 25%
Family Pressure – 15%
Unemployment – 10%
Others – 10%
Bar Graph: Compare Children Attending School vs Child Labourers.
Bibliography
1. NCERT English Flamingo – Class XII
2. NCERT Supplementary Reading Material
3. Newspapers and Magazine Articles on Child Labour
4. Government Reports on Education and Child Welfare
5. School Library Resources
6. Internet Sources related to Child Labour and Slum Development
Acknowledgement
I express my sincere gratitude to my English teacher, school authorities, and my parents for
their guidance and support in completing this project successfully.