When Nisha turned 18, she transitioned to Udaan Aftercare Hostel, a place specially designed to support girls graduating from Anandalay and Krupalay hostels as they navigate life’s next chapter. This new environment allowed her to grow further, both personally and academically. Now, Nisha is a First Year Bachelor of Arts (FYBA) student at one of the best colleges in the city, a place she had long dreamt of attending.

Starting college in July 2024 marked a new chapter of excitement and fulfillment for Nisha. Gone are the days of studying alone online; now, she thrives in a vibrant campus atmosphere, surrounded by new friends and live lectures. Every day brings fresh energy and learning opportunities, and she hasn’t felt bored for a moment.

Nisha’s talent for singing was noticed in her college, and she was soon offered a chance to volunteer at the Mumbai University Singing Competition. Her college had students participating in various categories, and Nisha embraced the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious event. The experience has filled her with enthusiasm, and she is eagerly looking forward to representing her college in singing next year.

Beyond her academic and singing pursuits, Nisha’s interests are vast. She loves cooking, baking, gardening, and exploring art and craft. Her creativity shines through in her work, as seen during the first anniversary of Udaan Aftercare Hostel, where she crafted beautiful pen stands out of paper to give as gifts to all the attendees.

In her three months at Udaan, Nisha has learned invaluable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and maintaining a positive attitude towards life. She’s also acquired essential independent living skills, equipping her for the future. The steady progress she’s made is a testament to her determination and the support she’s received from Sahaara.

Nisha is filled with gratitude for Sahaara’s unwavering support throughout her journey. College life is everything she hoped for, and she eagerly anticipates the many new experiences yet to come. After completing her graduation, Nisha plans to pursue law, with the dream of becoming a lawyer who can help restore families. Her heart is set on being a beacon of hope for others, just as Sahaara has been for her.

*Name changed to protect participant identity.

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Sahaara’s Anandalay Hostel provided Mamta with food, clothing, and shelter, ensuring her well-being throughout her childhood. When she turned 18, she transitioned to Udaan Aftercare Hostel, where young women receive guidance as they step into adulthood. Here, Mamta had access to mentoring, individual counseling, and skill-building sessions. She participated in practical training on cooking, conflict resolution, and independent travel, preparing her for a self-sufficient life. She also attended workshops on digital skills, time management, and leadership, which helped her develop essential abilities for her future career.  

At Udaan, Mamta had an environment that allowed her to focus on her studies. With the encouragement of the hostel warden and staff, she successfully completed her 12th grade with a score of 72%. She is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree while also enrolling in a digital and graphic design course. Sahaara’s support has helped her discover and nurture her creative side, allowing her to explore painting and dance. She even participated in her first college dance competition. Initially hesitant, she joined the team after a friend encouraged her. Despite an injury, she gave her best and was thrilled to win second place.  

Mamta’s mother remains actively involved in her education, paying her hostel fees and attending meetings to stay connected with her progress. Her younger sister continues to receive care at Anandalay Hostel, ensuring that the family remains supported. The reintegration team maintains regular contact with Mamta’s mother, offering guidance as needed to help the family achieve long-term stability.  

“Participating in my first college dance competition was unforgettable. At first, I wasn’t planning to perform, but my friend insisted. We worked hard, and despite my injury, I gave my best. Winning second place felt amazing. I am grateful for everything I’ve learned at Udaan. It has helped me grow and dream of becoming a graphic designer,” says Mamta. Her mother shares, “I am very thankful for Sahaara’s support. Mamta has become confident, independent, and focused on her future. Her interest in studies and creative talents makes me proud. I am happy to see her progress.”  

*Names changed to protect identities.

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Kanta lived with another care leaver and the warden, and she started her journey to become independent and responsible. In the beginning, it was hard for her to take on the hostel chores, and this led to conflicts between her and the other care leaver. Despite these challenges and arguments, Kanta eventually grew and learned from every problem she faced.

One big moment came when Kanta took on extra duties to help her fellow care leaver who was preparing for her 12th Grade board exams. Kanta herself was already attending college, going to tuitions, and managing her own studies along with her daily chores and hostel duties. It was not easy to balance these responsibilities, but Kanta stepped up and helped out in the interest of the other care leaver. This was an exemplary display of selflessness and sisterhood by Kanta. Even when she was very tired, Kanta stayed committed to her duties, with the support of the hostel warden.

Kanta’s actions showed her good heart, teamwork, responsibility, and service. She set a great example for others to follow. Her kindness created a special bond between her and the other care leaver. This bond was clear when the care leaver, who scored 72% in her 12th Grade board exams, thanked everyone who helped her, especially Kanta, who supported her all the way. Kanta herself felt rewarded when she got a distinction in her 11th Grade exams!

Now, as Kanta prepares for her own 12th Grade board exams this year, she continues to do all her duties at the hostel without asking for any special treatment. We believe that Kanta will keep doing well in her life and studies.

Kanta dreams of becoming a counsellor. Her journey at the Udaan Aftercare Hostel is preparing her for the future and teaching her the skills she needs to live independently and successfully. We are sure she will keep inspiring others and achieve great success in everything she does.

*Name changed to protect participant identity.

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In 2021, Arman was enrolled in Sahaara’s Ghatkopar education centre, where he received the support he needed. Initially, he was irregular in attendance, hesitant to participate in class, and uninterested in learning. The teachers at the centre noticed this and began working closely with him, encouraging him to attend regularly. They focused on improving his reading and writing skills by giving him daily exercises and making him read aloud in front of the class. They introduced a structured learning routine where he practised both short and long words before gradually moving on to reading full sentences. These methods helped him overcome his difficulties step by step.

Sahaara’s teachers not only helped Arman academically but also provided emotional encouragement, making him feel more confident. They acknowledged his small achievements, motivating him to continue learning. Slowly, his reading and writing improved, and he started engaging more in class. He became more active in completing his assignments and developed a habit of regular study. The personalised attention he received helped him overcome his hesitation, and he began looking forward to school. His family, especially his father, expressed deep gratitude for Sahaara’s intervention, as it allowed Arman to access quality education without adding financial strain to their household. His father regularly attends parent meetings and actively supports his children’s education.

With continued support from Sahaara, Arman’s confidence has grown, and he now attends remedial classes regularly. His academic performance has improved, opening doors for a better future. His family is relieved, knowing that he is getting the education he needs. Arman dreams of becoming a police officer one day, and with his growing skills and confidence, he is determined to work towards his goal. His family believes that this transformation will bring long-term positive changes, not just for him but also for his siblings.

“I am very happy with my progress, and the way I have built up my confidence to reach my current level is only because of Sahaara’s help,” Arman says. His father adds, “I am very thankful for the changes Sahaara has made in Arman. He has developed a keen interest in studying, reading, and writing, and I am very happy with his progress.”

*Names changed to protect identities.

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Aarif did not know Hindi and was extremely shy, avoiding interaction with others. He had never attended school and, at the age of 10, he still did not know how to read or write. No school was willing to admit him because of his age and language barrier, leaving him without access to education.

In late 2023, Sahaara conducted a survey in the Ghatkopar red-light area to identify children who were out of school. The team met Aarif’s mother and learned about his situation. Understanding the urgency, the staff took steps to get him into school. Initially, schools were reluctant to admit him due to his age and lack of Hindi skills. However, the Sahaara team persistently followed up with school authorities and provided assurances that Aarif would receive additional academic support. After months of effort, Aarif was finally enrolled in school.

To help him adjust and succeed in school, Sahaara provided remedial classes to improve his Hindi and academic skills. Since his mother’s work schedule made it difficult for her to prepare meals regularly, Sahaara also provided daily meals through their feeding program, ensuring that he received proper nutrition. Through regular interaction, Aarif also received social and emotional support, helping him build confidence and engage with other students.

Over time, Aarif began improving in reading, writing, and speaking Hindi. His confidence grew, and he actively participated in class discussions. His teachers noticed his progress, and he was given the role of a monitor at the Sahaara education center. His mother, who once had little hope for his future, is now actively involved in his education. She ensures he attends school daily and participates in remedial classes. Aarif now dreams of becoming an officer when he grows up and is motivated to study hard.

“I am very thankful to my Sahaara teacher, who enrolled me in school. Before this, I had never attended school, and no one helped me,” Aarif says. His mother adds, “The quality of teaching and care provided by Sahaara is very good. Because of them, my son was admitted to school, and his educational journey has begun towards a bright future.”

*Names changed to protect identities.

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Adjusting to school was a challenge for Omi. Language barriers made it hard for him to understand lessons, and his strict home environment affected his confidence. He was shy, quiet, and hesitant to participate in classroom activities. He rarely spoke to his classmates and struggled with reading and writing. Throughout the year, his lack of engagement affected his academic performance, making learning feel like a burden rather than an opportunity.

Sahaara’s staff noticed Omi’s difficulties and began working closely with him to improve his learning experience. They introduced interactive teaching methods, using flashcards, educational videos, and storytelling to make lessons easier to understand. To encourage him to interact more, he was paired with a classroom buddy who helped him with his studies and motivated him to participate in activities. Small rewards, such as stickers and words of encouragement, helped build his enthusiasm for learning.

As Omi received personalized attention, his confidence began to grow. He started asking questions in class and showing interest in reading and writing. His academic performance improved, and he began participating in activities that he once avoided. At home, his family played a role in his progress by establishing a regular study routine. Although his father continued to maintain a quiet home, the structured routine helped Omi stay focused and disciplined in his learning.

With Sahaara’s continued support, Omi’s progress is expected to be long-lasting. The learning techniques and confidence-building strategies will help him face future challenges in his education. His family’s involvement in his studies ensures that he has a stable environment to continue growing. Omi now dreams of becoming a police officer, and the foundation he has built through Sahaara’s intervention will help him work towards his goal.

“I am very happy with my progress, and the way I have built up my confidence to reach my current level is only because of Sahaara’s help,” Omi says. His father adds, “I am very thankful for the changes Sahaara has made in Omi. He has developed a keen interest in studying, reading, writing, and participating in activities. I am very happy with his progress.”

*Names changed to protect identities.

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The family couldn’t afford to pay school fees, so the children had to drop out of school. They often went hungry and were left to take care of themselves. While Arjun’s two sisters were taken in by their uncle, Arjun and his younger brother remained in unsafe conditions until the police found them on the streets. They were then taken to the Chembur Children’s Home, where their lives began to change.

When Arjun arrived at CCH in 2019, he was shy, quiet, and had trouble with reading and writing. He felt unsure about his future and had little interest in school.

That’s when Sahaara stepped in. Sahaara’s remedial classes became a turning point for him. Through these classes, Arjun received extra support in subjects like English, Marathi, Math, and Science. The classes also focused on life skills to help him cope better with challenges. At first, the lessons were tough for Arjun, but with patient guidance, he began to improve. He started to read and write more confidently, and his performance in school steadily got better.

The teachers at Sahaara played a big role in his progress. They not only helped him with academics but also encouraged him to join school activities and overcome his fear of speaking in front of others. Through mental health and mentoring sessions to help Arjun build emotional strength. Over time, he grew more confident and began interacting with his classmates and teachers.

A few months after moving to CCH, Arjun’s mother passed away. This was a difficult time, but with the love and support of the staff, Arjun found the strength to move forward.

Arjun says, “I enjoy coming to classes and talking to my teachers. They inspire me and encourage me to do my best. This makes me believe in myself.”

Today, Arjun’s hard work is reflected in his academic results. He consistently scores between 85-95% in most subjects and has grown into a motivated and confident student.

Arjun dreams of studying computer science or electrical engineering. With the knowledge and life skills he’s gained through classes, he feels confident that he can achieve his goals. Exposure trips and other activities have also helped him learn about the world and prepare for the future.

With the right support, he has gone from a shy, struggling child to a confident young man with a bright future. With continued guidance, Arjun is ready to achieve great things.

* Names changed to protect identities.

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In 2022, family issues prompted a police officer to recommend that Vijay’s mother send him to a government home in Mumbai for better care and support. Vijay was moved to a home called Chembur Children’s Home, but adjusting to this new environment was extremely difficult for him. He felt mentally disturbed and often expressed his anger through aggression and abusive language. He was disruptive in class and showed little interest in his studies, which made it hard for him to make progress.

For several months, Vijay’s attitude remained unchanged, and he continued to struggle with mood swings and irregular school attendance. However, things began to improve when Sahaara’s staff took the time to interact with him on a more personal level. They offered him counselling and helped him understand how to manage his emotions. Through months of guidance and support, Vijay slowly opened up, becoming more cooperative and engaged.

As Vijay started to feel more supported, his behaviour began to change. He grew friendlier with his teachers and classmates and began participating in the activities and lessons offered by Sahaara. His attendance improved, and he started to show interest in his studies. The anger and abusive language that once characterised his behaviour disappeared, and Vijay started to acknowledge his mistakes and work on correcting them.

Today, Vijay’s academic performance reflects the positive changes in his life. He now has an overall percentage of 62% in subjects such as English, Marathi, Science, and Maths. Thanks to Sahaara’s Pragati project, he is receiving not only educational support but also life skills training, which is helping him develop in a holistic way.

Vijay enjoys the classes provided by Sahaara, saying that they are fun and full of activities. He appreciates the care and love shown by his teachers, and he now dreams of becoming a cricketer in the future. 

* Names changed to protect identities.

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During this time, Shardul came in contact with Sahaara’s Project Pragati, which provides mentoring, college and vocational training sponsorships for young adults in this Government-run Aftercare Home. Initially, Shardul was very reserved and hesitant to speak with the Sahaara mentor. Over time, with regular one-on-one mentoring sessions, he started sharing his challenges. When he faced job instability, the mentor helped him understand the importance of work commitment, patience, and financial planning instead of quitting out of frustration.

With Sahaara’s consistent support, career guidance, and emotional encouragement, Shardul slowly gained confidence. He enrolled in vocational skill-building programs to improve his job prospects. He also started forming friendships with others at the Aftercare Home, which helped him feel a sense of belonging. He participated in sports and recreational activities, which helped him manage stress and stay motivated.

Today, Shardul has secured a stable job and is managing his finances better. He has started saving money, something he had never done before. With Sahaara’s support, he now has a clear plan for his future. He dreams of becoming a businessman and is working towards financial independence.

Shardul shares, “I am very happy now as I got regular help from Sahaara with my current job. I am earning and saving more money.”

*Names changed to protect identities.

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During a field visit, staff members from Sahaara Charitable Society met Ashwini. They learned about her problems and invited her to their Vocational Training Centre (VTC). There, she received lessons on health and money management, along with counseling and tailoring skills. Sahaara staff also gave her emotional support. These steps helped Ashwini realize that she could leave the sex trade. When her partner stood by her, she moved to Surat to begin a new life.

In Surat, Sahaara provided her with a sewing machine so she could use her tailoring skills to earn a living. This allowed her to care for her husband, daughter, and herself without depending on anyone else. Later, her partner had an accident and could not work for some time. Ashwini became the main earner, making clothes and saving money to pay household bills. Sahaara stayed in touch, offering help and checking on her progress. They also looked for work opportunities for her partner as he healed.

Ashwini now hopes to grow her tailoring business and save enough money to give her family a brighter future. She is proud of the new path she has chosen and feels stronger every day.

*Names changed to protect identities.

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