There was a time when little Rina* stood at the entrance of Anandalay Girls’ Hostel, unsure of the new world around her.
She was still a young child then. Everything felt unfamiliar — the rooms, the routine, the other girls, and the staff who were gently trying to help her settle in. She missed her mother deeply. Some days, she cried. Some days, she refused to eat. Though Anandalay was a place of safety, it took time for her heart to understand that she was not being left behind.
She was being protected.
Rina’s journey with Sahaara began when she was a young child living in a red-light area. Her mother was engaged in sex work and faced many social and economic challenges. Though she worked hard to support the family, she was deeply concerned about Rina’s safety, education, and future.
Rina first came into contact with Sahaara through the Balwadi programme in 2011. The staff recognised her potential and encouraged her mother to consider enrolling her at Anandalay Girls’ Hostel, where Rina could receive education, care, and protection in a safe environment.
At first, the decision was difficult for her mother. Sending her daughter away from home brought fear and uncertainty. But as she thought about Rina’s future and the risks of growing up in the red-light area, she made the courageous decision to enrol her at Anandalay while also working to clear her debts and move away from sex work.
The early days were not easy for Rina. She missed home and struggled to adjust to hostel life. But the Anandalay team walked patiently with her. Through regular care, counselling, encouragement, and a stable daily routine, Rina slowly began to settle. She started eating better, making friends, participating in activities, and trusting the people around her.
Over the years, Anandalay became the place where Rina grew.
She received support for her education, health, emotional wellbeing, and personal development. She was given academic guidance, nutritious meals, healthcare, counselling, recreational opportunities, and life skills education. These years of consistent care helped her develop confidence, responsibility, communication skills, and decision-making ability.
The little girl who once cried because hostel life felt unfamiliar gradually became a cheerful, confident, and resilient young woman. She learnt to express herself more openly, build positive relationships, take responsibility for her daily work, and face challenges with greater maturity. Counselling also helped her manage stress, especially her concerns about her mother’s health.
Her mother remained an important part of her journey. Through phone calls, visits, and Child–Parent Review Meetings, she continued to encourage Rina and remain connected with her progress.
In this quarter, after turning 18, Rina transitioned from Anandalay to Sahaara’s Udaan Aftercare Girls’ Hostel. This was not the end of her journey with Sahaara, but the beginning of a new stage.
At Udaan, the focus is now on preparing Rina for adulthood and independent living. She is learning practical life skills such as cooking, household management, independent travel, shopping, and managing her daily routine. Regular mentoring, counselling, and academic support will continue to help her make informed decisions about her education, career, relationships, responsibilities, and future.
Today, Rina is no longer the little girl standing uncertainly at the hostel entrance. She is a young adult preparing for the future — continuing her education, learning to manage responsibilities, and taking steady steps towards independent living.
Rina says that Sahaara has supported her throughout her journey and continues to help her move towards her dreams. Her mother is grateful for the care and guidance Rina has received, especially during difficult seasons, and trusts Sahaara’s continued support for her daughter’s future.
Rina’s story reflects the importance of long-term care. Anandalay gave her safety, stability, education, and emotional support through her growing years. Udaan will now continue that investment as she prepares for life beyond the hostel.
*Name changed to protect identity