When she first arrived at the hostel, Nadiya struggled to adjust. Her health was poor, she had low energy, and she hardly spoke to anyone. She had just completed the first standard in school and knew very little. She found it hard to focus and often misbehaved while playing. She would fight, snatch things, and act out, mostly because she missed her mother a lot and felt sad.

Slowly, with love, care, and support from the staff, Nadiya began to settle in. She made friends and started enjoying her time at the hostel. She was enrolled in a good English medium school, and she also got the chance to try new activities like singing, dancing, art, and craft. She developed a strong interest in drawing and sketching. The hostel provided her with drawing materials, and she began practising regularly, improving her skills day by day.

Two years later, Nadiya faced a very painful moment when her mother passed away in an accident. The hostel staff stood by her and helped her cope with this big loss. They gave her emotional support and stayed close to her during this hard time. They also helped her connect with her paternal grandmother, who now stays in touch through regular visits and phone calls. This gave Nadiya a sense of family again.

Over time, Nadiya started feeling more confident. She learned to take care of herself, follow routines, and behave respectfully with others. She received counselling and mentoring, which helped her control her anger and manage stress better. She began doing well in school, especially in Science and Maths. She even took part in a Science Olympiad and received a certificate. Her teachers noticed her positive behaviour and made her the class monitor.

Nadiya is now a focused and caring girl. Her grandmother says, “I never imagined Nadiya would be raised with so much love and care. I’m very thankful for how she is growing.” Nadiya adds, “I want to study well and become a zoologist or a marine diver. I want to earn on my own and look after my siblings and grandmother too.”

(Names changed to protect identities.)

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When Neha was enrolled at a Balwadi (preschool) run by Sahaara, the staff quickly noticed her intelligence and enthusiasm. Despite her tough surroundings, she showed great promise. The team began counselling her mother, encouraging her to consider a safer and more structured environment for Neha to grow. After months of patient conversations, her mother finally agreed, and in November 2012, four-year-old Neha was admitted to Sahaara’s Anandalay Girl’s Hostel.

The first few weeks at the hostel were difficult for Neha. She cried frequently and missed her mother terribly. But over time, with patient care, nutritious food, and a loving environment, she began to feel secure. She made friends and adjusted to the daily routine of hostel life. The staff supported her in every area—emotionally, academically, and socially. She was admitted into a good English-medium school and received tutoring at the hostel.

Neha was introduced to activities like singing, painting, craft, and dance. Dance quickly became her favourite. She would practice on her own, create her own steps, and soon began choreographing for others. Her love for dance gave her confidence and a voice. She even started teaching her peers in the hostel and at school.

As the years went by, Neha became more responsible. She began helping younger girls and managing her own space well. At school, in March 2025, among 1,000 students, she was recognised for her helpful nature and leadership skills and was appointed Eco Leader—a role that involved keeping the school clean and encouraging others to care for their surroundings.

Today, Neha is a confident and creative teenager with big dreams. “I love dancing, and I want to continue learning and teaching it,” she said. “But I also want to become a software engineer or an actress and support my mother one day.” Her mother shared, “I never thought my daughter would get such a chance. Sahaara gave her a life I couldn’t have imagined.”

Thanks to the care and guidance at Anandalay Hostel, Neha now has a strong foundation and a future filled with possibilities. She is determined not only to succeed for herself but also to bring dignity and stability to her mother’s life.
(Names changed to protect identities.)

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In 2018, Meeta was first noticed by Sahaara staff near their education centre. At the time, her life was unstable and full of hardship. Her mother, Rubina*, worked in the red-light area and struggled with alcohol addiction, leaving Meeta and her siblings to fend for themselves. Her father was frequently in jail and absent from their lives. Recognizing her need for safety and care, Sahaara enrolled Meeta in their Balwadi class, where she could begin learning and receiving the attention she desperately needed.

In 2020, tragedy struck when Meeta’s mother lost her life in an acid attack. This loss was devastating for Meeta, but with the care and counselling provided by Sahaara, she slowly began to heal. To provide her with a secure and nurturing environment, Meeta was admitted to Anandalay Hostel, a place she now calls home.

At Anandalay, Meeta k found more than just shelter. She received nutritious meals, clothing, and an English-medium education, along with remedial classes to help her excel in math and languages. Beyond academics, she was introduced to life skills training, extracurricular activities, and sports—her favourite being running and relay races. With regular mentoring and counselling, she learned to manage her emotions and build her confidence. In addition to these resources, Meeta had the opportunity to go on exposure trips, which provided her with valuable experiences and broadened her outlook.

Meeta’s grandmother, who runs a small provision shop, has been a pillar of support. Despite her limited means, she ensures to stay connected with Meeta through weekly phone calls and monthly video calls. She visits her every two months and actively participates in parent-child review meetings, working closely with the hostel staff to support Meeta’s development.

Through the love and care she receives at Anandalay, Meeta has discovered a passion for art, music, and reading. The age-appropriate library books at the hostel have sparked her curiosity and broadened her perspective. Sports, however, remain her true love. With regular practice and encouragement, Meeta dreams of becoming an athlete one day.

Meeta’s siblings are also supported by Sahaara. Her elder sister stays with her at Anandalay, while her younger brother lives at Mahima Boys’ Hostel. Together, they are growing in a safe, nurturing environment where their needs are met, and their dreams are nurtured.

Sahaara’s efforts extend beyond the children to their families. Meeta’s grandmother has received essential support through Project Parivartan, including rations, medical assistance, and counselling, ensuring she can sustain herself while staying involved in Meeta’s life.

Today, Meeta’s smile reflects her progress and determination. “I feel at home in Anandalay,” she says. “Sahaara has given me a safe place to live and the support to grow toward my dreams.”

With her unwavering spirit and the strong foundation provided by Sahaara, Meeta is on her way to building a brighter future.

*Names changed to protect identities.

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