She had grown up in Anandalay Girls’ Hostel from the age of six. For many years, Anandalay had been her place of safety, learning, routine, and care. But as adulthood came closer, new questions began to trouble her. Where would she live? How would she continue her education? Who would guide her as she stepped into adult life?

For Sonam and her mother, these were not small concerns. Sonam’s early childhood had been shaped by an unsafe and unstable environment in a red-light area in Mumbai. Her mother, who was receiving counselling and support from Sahaara’s field staff, wanted a safer and more dignified future for her daughter. Recognising the risks around her, she made the difficult decision to place Sonam in residential care.

At the age of six, Sonam was admitted to Anandalay. There, she received the protection, education, emotional support, and nurturing environment she needed during her growing years. The hostel gave her stability at a stage when safety and consistent guidance were very important.

Over the years, Sonam began to grow in confidence. She learnt to adjust to routines, focus on her education, and make use of the opportunities provided to her. But when she approached eighteen, both Sonam and her mother feared that the support she had received as a child might suddenly come to an end.

That is when Udaan became the next step in her journey.

When Sonam and her mother came to know that Sahaara was launching the Udaan Aftercare Hostel, they felt relieved. Sonam was admitted to Udaan in 2025 after turning eighteen. The aftercare hostel gave her safe accommodation, stability, and continuity of care at a crucial stage of life.

At Udaan, Sonam is being supported to continue her education and prepare for college. Along with academic support, she receives mentoring, counselling, and guidance in life skills, responsibility, and independent living. This support ensures that the growth she experienced at Anandalay is not interrupted, but protected and strengthened as she moves into adulthood.

For Sonam’s mother, Udaan brought deep reassurance. She no longer had to worry about where her daughter would live after turning eighteen or whether she would be safe and cared for. Knowing that Sonam continues to receive guidance and education has brought her emotional relief and hope for her daughter’s future.

Today, Sonam is completing her Grade 12 and preparing to pursue higher education. With the stability and guidance provided through Udaan, she is steadily moving towards independence and long-term self-reliance.

Sonam now dreams of becoming a software engineer. For a young woman who once had very little hope for her future, this dream reflects the confidence that has slowly grown through years of care and support.

Sonam says, “Before coming to the hostel, I had very little hope for my future. Today, I feel confident that there is nothing I cannot achieve.”

Her mother shares, “I am very happy with Sahaara and feel confident that my daughter’s future is safe here. I am sincerely grateful to the staff for their care, guidance, and continuous support.”

Sonam’s story reflects the importance of care that does not stop too early. Anandalay gave her safety and stability through childhood. Udaan is now helping her step into adulthood with guidance, education, confidence, and hope.

Her journey reminds us that when young people leaving care receive continued support, they are not forced to face the future alone. They can move forward with courage, clarity, and the belief that their dreams are possible.

*Name changed to protect identity

The post Confidence for the Next Step appeared first on Sahaara Charitable Society.

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

The post From Care to Confidence appeared first on Sahaara Charitable Society.

She now returns as an elder sister figure.

The younger girls see someone who has walked the same corridors, lived the same routines, and grown through the same care. As she spends time with them, encourages them, and supports them, Nisha is slowly becoming the kind of person she once needed in her own childhood — someone steady, caring, and hopeful.

Nisha’s early life was shaped by difficult circumstances. Her mother was living in a red-light area and was engaged in sex work, but she deeply wanted her daughter to have a life of safety and dignity. With counselling and support from Sahaara’s Project Parivartan team, her mother agreed to admit Nisha into Anandalay Girls’ Hostel.

After this, her mother returned to her native place. Because of family circumstances, she was unable to take Nisha along. As a result, Nisha grew up away from her mother, remaining connected mainly through phone calls. This distance was not easy for her, especially in her early years.

In December 2010, Nisha was admitted to Anandalay Girls’ Hostel. This became a turning point in her life. Anandalay gave her safety, continuous care, education, and emotional support. It gave her a place where she could grow, study, and begin to build stability after an uncertain start in life.

Over the years, Sahaara continued to invest in Nisha’s development through mentoring, counselling, education, and life skills support. Slowly, she adjusted to hostel life. She began to focus on her growth, make use of the opportunities given to her, and build resilience.

When Nisha turned 18, she transitioned to Udaan Aftercare Hostel. This ensured that the care she had received as a child did not suddenly stop when she became a young adult. At Udaan, she continues to receive structured support in education, skill development, and independent living as she prepares for adulthood and future responsibilities.

Today, Nisha has completed her Grade 12 through NIOS and is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts. Alongside her studies, she has completed professional training at Lakmé Academy in skincare, basic hair cutting, and advanced cosmetology, strengthening her employability and opening new possibilities for her future.

But Nisha’s dream goes beyond building a career for herself.

She dreams of becoming a social worker.

Perhaps this dream has grown from her own journey — from being a child who received care, to becoming a young woman who now wants to care for others. Through regular volunteering at Anandalay, she supports younger girls as an elder sister, while also strengthening her own leadership and sense of responsibility.

The change in Nisha is visible. She is steadily growing into a young woman who is more independent, confident, and emotionally resilient. Through mentoring, counselling, and life skills training, she has developed emotional maturity and a clearer sense of direction for her life.

Her progress also brings reassurance to her mother, who has long hoped for a better future for her daughter. Though their journey has not been easy, Nisha’s growth gives her mother hope that her daughter will continue moving towards independence and stability.

Nisha says, “Sahaara is like my family. Without it, I can’t imagine what my life would have been. I am who I am today because of it.”

Her mother shares, “Thank you for caring for my daughter and supporting her to become independent. I can see her growing stronger and more confident, and it gives me great hope for her future.”

Today, Nisha continues her education, builds employable skills, and volunteers with younger girls who look up to her. Her story reflects the importance of long-term care — from protection in childhood, to guidance in adolescence, to aftercare support in young adulthood.

Nisha’s journey reminds us that when a young person receives safety, education, emotional care, and continued guidance, she can grow not only into independence, but also into purpose.

*Name changed to protect identity

The post Growing into Strength and Purpose appeared first on Sahaara Charitable Society.

Arshiya settled into Anandalay quickly. She was enrolled in a good English-medium school and received all the support she needed—safe shelter, food, school supplies, and tuition support. Sahaara also gave her regular life skills sessions, emotional support, and opportunities to grow. Arshiya did very well in her studies and passed her Grade 12 board exam with a distinction. She is now studying for a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics at a well-known college in Mumbai.

Sahaara continues to guide Arshiya in many areas of life. In the last few months, she has attended sessions on self-acceptance, assertiveness, and stress management. She is also active in hobbies like reading, football, Zumba, and arts and crafts. As part of giving back, Arshiya recently volunteered at Sahaara’s hostel for younger girls during her vacation. She helped staff take care of one girl who was unwell, showing kindness and maturity. This change—from receiving support to offering support—shows how much she has grown.

Arshiya’s move to Udaan Aftercare has gone smoothly. It is a self-run hostel where girls manage cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Arshiya is learning these tasks and is slowly becoming more independent. Her emotional maturity has also improved, and counselling sessions help her manage her feelings in healthy ways.

Her father, though not with her every day, stays in touch through weekly calls. He also spends time with her during holidays and is proud of her progress. He said, “I am at peace knowing my daughter is in the right place. I don’t have to worry anymore. Thank you so much, Sahaara.”

Arshiya says, “Being in the aftercare facility has given me the opportunity to be part of a community that values both academic achievement and personal growth. I’m committed to making the most of this opportunity.”

Arshiya dreams of becoming an IAS officer one day, so she can help others and bring positive change in society. With continued support from Sahaara, her future looks bright.

(Names changed to protect identities.)

The post From Shadows to Strength – Arshiya’s Journey Forward appeared first on Sahaara Charitable Society.

At first, Meera found it hard to adjust. She missed her family deeply and cried often. But slowly, she settled in, thanks to the care and attention given to her by the staff. The structured and nurturing environment helped her grow in every area—physically, emotionally, and mentally. She studied in an English-medium school and received tutoring and encouragement from the hostel team. Over the next 12 years, Meera grew into a bright, caring and talented young woman.

In July 2024, after turning 18, she moved to Sahaara’s Udaan Aftercare Hostel. This space is designed to help young adults prepare for independent life. At Udaan, Meera is supported in many ways. She continues to receive help for her education, including guidance for her studies and career. She attends life skills sessions, counselling, and regular mentoring. She is also learning about job readiness, money management, travelling independently, and time management. Udaan ensures that she is well-fed, stays healthy through medical care, and is surrounded by a family-like environment where she feels safe and accepted.

Since joining Udaan, Meera has grown in confidence. She has learnt to cook, shop for herself, and manage her own time. Earlier, she preferred to be alone, but now she enjoys spending time with others at the hostel and has even made friends in college—something she once struggled with. She enjoys reading and writing stories, especially fiction and adventure. She also loves painting on canvas and exploring her creative side.

In March 2024, Meera appeared for her 12th grade exams and is awaiting her results. She is also a football player and helped her team win first place in her college’s sports competition, which led to her selection for inter-college football matches. She says, “I’ve become a person I never thought I would. I feel strong and bold, ready to take the next step and explore more in life. And soon, I will be fully ready.”

Meera’s younger brother is also supported by Sahaara and lives at Mahima Hostel, where he recently completed his 10th Grade Board exams—a meaningful milestone in his educational journey. Their mother, who exited the sex trade with support from Sahaara, now lives independently and stays closely connected to both children. She visits whenever she can, takes them home during hostel vacations, and contributes a small monthly fee toward Meera’s stay at the hostel. Her steady involvement has helped strengthen the family bond. Grateful for the support her family has received, she shared, “If it weren’t for Sahaara, I don’t know where my children and I would be.”

Meera dreams of becoming a journalist. With the continued support from Sahaara, she is building a bright and independent future.

(Names changed to protect identities.)

The post Becoming Bold appeared first on Sahaara Charitable Society.

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.

The post Mamta’s Pursuit of Education and Creativity appeared first on Sahaara Charitable Society.

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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