In 2024, a parent from the community whose child is in Sahaara’s Krupalay Hostel (for girls aged 6 to 12) told Samir’s mother about Sahaara’s Mahima Boys’ Hostel. She met the team and, hoping for a better future, enrolled both her sons. At the hostel, Samir was given a safe and clean place to stay, along with healthy food, clothing, and medical care. He joined an English-medium school and also received extra help through remedial classes. He took part in counselling, life skills sessions, and different creative and outdoor activities that gave him new ways to express himself and build confidence.

In the beginning, adjusting to hostel life was not easy for Samir. He would cry often, refused to follow rules, and found it difficult to play with other children. He would sometimes throw things when he was upset or frustrated. The staff noticed that he needed emotional support and gently worked with him every day. Through steady routines and kind guidance, they helped Samir feel safe and slowly build trust. He started opening up, listening to instructions, and making friends. His schoolwork began to improve, and he started taking part in activities with excitement.

For his mother, the hostel brought peace of mind. She stayed connected through regular calls and visits, and she was happy to see her son become calmer and more confident. “I never imagined this kind of future for my son,” she said. “Thanks to Sahaara, he now has a chance to learn, grow, and dream.”

Samir now enjoys reading, playing outside, and being part of group sessions. He continues to grow in his studies and is doing well in Grade 1. He has made good friends at the hostel and is close to his brother. He often talks about becoming a soldier one day. He says, “I like Mahima hostel very much. I get to study, play, and live with many friends. Uncle (Superintendent) and Bhaiyas (Wardens) help me when I feel sad or sick.”

The changes in Samir’s life have also given his mother hope. She now believes that with support, both she and her sons can move towards a better future.

(Names changed to protect identities.)

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In 2021, his mother, who was connected with Sahaara’s Parivartan project, was advised by the team to admit Irfan to Mahima Hostel. Understanding it was the best step for her son, she agreed. When Irfan joined Mahima, he was welcomed into a safe and caring environment. The hostel provided him with everything he needed—food, clothing, medical care, and a secure place to live. He was enrolled in an English-medium school and received additional help through remedial classes to build his reading and writing skills.

Irfan was very quiet in the beginning and found it difficult to adjust to hostel life. But with care and support from the staff and friendships with other children, he slowly became more confident. Sadly, a year later, Irfan started having severe stomach pain and was unable to eat properly. He would vomit whatever he ate. After many tests and visits to hospitals, he was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The hostel team stood by him through this time, getting him treatment from leading doctors. Over time, his health improved, and he returned to school and hostel activities.

Since then, Irfan has made remarkable progress. He scored 69% in his last annual exams and was selected as Class Monitor in school. He enjoys sports like football and cricket and loves indoor games. He has also developed his independence, creativity, and social skills. He attends counselling and mentoring sessions regularly and follows the advice given.

Irfan says, “I find Mahima to be a second home and am very grateful to all the staff of Sahaara for taking care of me.” His mother, who is now remarried and no longer in the trade, visits him every quarter and talks to him weekly over the phone. She proudly shared, “The quality of care provided to my child is very good, and I find Sahaara to be a great organization. I am glad to hear reports of how my child is doing whenever I come for the quarterly meetings.”

Irfan dreams of becoming a police officer when he grows up, and with continued support from Sahaara, that dream is now within his reach.

(*Names changed to protect identities.)

The post Irfan’s Steps Towards a Brighter Future  appeared first on Sahaara Charitable Society.

Though he loved playing football and cricket, the challenges at home made it difficult for him to enjoy life. Rohit and Arvind fell into bad company as a way to escape, and their situation grew worse. Rohit felt hopeless, unsure of where to turn.

A Field Worker from Sahaara met Rohit’s family and, through regular interactions, she noticed that Rohit was struggling to cope with life. After getting to know his situation better, she introduced him to Sahaara Hostel, a place that could offer him the support and opportunities he needed to move forward.

At first, Rohit found it difficult to adjust to his new environment. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces, he didn’t know who to trust. But over time, the caring staff and other children made him feel at home. For the first time, Rohit had a safe space to escape the weight of his family’s troubles and focus on his future.

Rohit had always been curious about learning, but growing up with limited access to these resources, he never had the chance to follow his interest. At Sahaara, Rohit rediscovered his curiosity for learning. He passed the entrance exam and was admitted to an English-medium school, with remedial classes to support his studies. The hostel also provided access to a library, something that felt like a treasure to him. The books reignited his love for reading, giving him something to look forward to each day. 

Sahaara not only improved Rohit’s physical health by providing access to nutritious food, good clothing and regular monitoring but also helped him regain his strength and energy. This renewed vitality enabled him to actively participate in sports like football and cricket, which he had previously enjoyed. Beyond physical wellness, Sahaara broadened Rohit’s horizons through exposure trips that enriched his understanding of the world. 

As time passed, Rohit grew in many ways. He rediscovered his passion for sports, participated in hostel activities, and received guidance that helped him regain both emotional and physical strength. The supportive environment allowed him to develop, not just academically, but personally. 

Rohit also began to open up more in counselling sessions. With encouragement and life skill sessions, he started to face his fears and talk about his emotions. This helped him become more confident and comfortable with himself. He started making new friends and took pride in simple things, like learning new skills through creative activities.

Rohit’s family noticed the positive changes in him. His father, inspired by Rohit’s progress, returned to his job as a plumber and began contributing to his hostel fees. The family stayed connected through regular visits and phone calls, and they became increasingly proud of Rohit’s achievements.

Today, Rohit is a completely different person. His dream of becoming a sportsman, which once felt out of reach, now seems possible. Rohit shares “Sahaara is more than just a place to live, it’s where I feel safe, supported, and encouraged. The people here believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.

*Names changed to protect identities.

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