Rohit*, a sixteen-year-old boy, had a tough childhood. His parents, Ravi* and Priya*, often fought, and his father struggled with mental health issues, making it hard for him to work. Meanwhile, his mother frequently left the house, leaving Rohit and his older brother, Arvind*, to take care of themselves. Without support, Rohit felt lost and uncertain about how to handle everything.
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.
