There was a time when Sonam* wondered what would happen after she turned eighteen.
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