Age 9

Saddam is the youngest of three children. He lives in a small house in a dumping ground in the Bhiwandi slums. Saddam's mother married twice, but both husbands left her. Both his mother and 14-year-old sister work at a garment company, while Saddam and his brother were left home with no one to care for them. Both brothers played at the dumping ground with other children and picked up the plastics and tins from the garbage to sell for food. Since their family's income was too small to manage the existing expenses, there was no thought of sending the children to school. Saddam's mother was happy to learn about Udaan and is now relieved that both of her sons are safe at Udaan while she works. Her sons have the opportunity to study and receive nutritious meals at Udaan.

Saddam is shy and shows interest in classroom activities. He wants to help his family earn good money as he grows up. Saddam needs a sponsor to help with his educational needs and provide him with the opportunity for a bright future.