Protecting young people on the railways: meet Toby, Aisha and Rishi
Sep 3, 2025, 15:48
Children and young people facing abuse and neglect around the world often turn to the railway in times of need, seeking safety, anonymity and the means to escape far from what they know.
But of course, the street is no place for any child to grow up, and children alone or fending for themselves are at risk of violence, abuse and exploitation.
Through its branches in the UK, India and Tanzania, Railway Children supports vulnerable children alone and at risk on the streets and at transport hubs, leading change and building brighter futures across the world.
Toby’s story
When 15 year-old Toby* was put in touch with Railway Children UK, he had been out of school for nearly a year.
With his mum working long hours, he felt lost and disconnected. He found the school-work he was given uninspiring, and he began spending time with a group that drew him into trouble on the rail network.
Everything changed when Toby was referred to Railway Children. Their support workers began meeting with him regularly, offering guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to talk, and through these one-on-one sessions, Toby began to rebuild his confidence and discover a sense of purpose.
Now, he’s back on track – studying for his GCSEs and preparing to start at a sports academy, pursuing his passion for football while earning a qualification in coaching.
Aisha’s story
13 year-old Aisha* had worked hard to earn a place at secondary school after passing her primary certificate. But her family simply couldn’t afford to keep her in education.
Hoping to find a new path, Aisha ran away to Tanzania’s capital, Dar-es-Salaam, pinning her future on the chance she might be able to get into school to continue her studies there.
But with no money or place to stay, she ended up alone on the streets.
Fortunately, social welfare officers found Aisha and connected her with Railway Children Tanzania. She and her family received emotional support and counselling, as well as school uniforms and learning materials. The charity also worked with Aisha’s family to help them find ways to improve their income.
Aisha is now safely enrolled in secondary school, full of hope for the future. Her family are better equipped to support her, and she’s free once more to be a child, pursue her education, and dream of all she can become.
Rishi’s story
For 10 year-old Rishi*, losing his father meant losing his chance to go to school. With his family struggling to survive, education felt out of reach – until Railway Children India stepped in to help him back into the classroom.
The charity worked with Rishi to rekindle his interest in learning and help him enrol in school, and now Rishi’s dream of education is once again a reality, so he, along with his peers, can learn, explore, discover and grow in a safe and nurturing space.
Keeping children safe
Railway Children are committed to ensuring that safeguarding remains a priority.
The charity was instrumental in delivering the Safeguarding on Rail Scheme (SRS), developed by the Department for Transport and British Transport Police in response to increasing numbers of vulnerable people using the rail network.
The SRS allows organisations operating on the UK rail network to demonstrate how they are working with partners to take a proactive approach in safeguarding vulnerable people across the network.
Looking ahead, Railway Children will continue to build alliances with others in the charity and development sector, in industry and in government, to make the case for robust policies that ensure vulnerable children and young people are seen, heard and protected.
*Names have been changed to protect these children’s identities.
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