Mohammad Rahim was simply eight when his mom made an agonising resolution: to put him in a childcare establishment (CCI) in Delhi. She hoped to protect him from the medication and crime that gripped their slum in Bawana, Delhi. “My father left after I was very younger, and my mom needed to fend for herself,” Rahim remembers. After spending a decade within the CCI, he was thrust into maturity at 18, with none marketable abilities. “Individuals informed me I’d solely get cleansing jobs, however I knew I couldn’t return to the jhuggi-jhopdi,” he says.
Now 21, Rahim’s life tells a distinct story. He’s operating a profitable aquarium cleansing enterprise and is pursuing paramedic and lab technician programs. He’s not simply studying the right way to make investments; he’s additionally sending cash house to assist his ageing mom and sister. The truth is, he’s even offering jobs to others in the identical programme that helped him. Rahim is considered one of 175 youth whose lives have been remodeled by WeLive Basis, an aftercare facility that empowers younger adults who’ve aged out of childcare establishments (CCIs). It affords them extra than simply shelter — it provides them dignity, goal, and a path to self-reliance.
Bear in mind the primary time you stepped out of your house, not sure of which faculty course to select, struggling to search out that first job, or save sufficient to carve out an area in a brand new metropolis? Adulting is hard — full of confusion, complexity, and numerous moments of self-discovery. Now, think about navigating this transition with no household or assist system, usually with the added burden of emotional, bodily, and even sexual trauma. That is the fact for hundreds of youth who’re pressured to go away childcare establishments as soon as they flip 18.
Sitting within the coronary heart of two bustling cities, Bengaluru and Chennai, the WeLive Basis is reshaping how we take into consideration younger adults ageing out of presidency care. Over the previous 5 years, WeLive has empowered over 175 younger folks by way of its aftercare facility — not simply by offering them with shelter however by equipping them with the talents and emotional resilience they should discover their footing in a world that may be unforgiving.
In a society that usually overlooks these susceptible younger adults, WeLive has been making the “determining” section of life a bit simpler for individuals who want it most.
Constructing lives, one step at a time
The story of WeLive started when considered one of its founders, a former CCI warden, noticed firsthand the difficulties younger adults confronted upon leaving institutional care. “When a couple of of them turned 18, he took them into his house,” remembers Ramya Sundararajan, CEO of WeLive Basis. “That have sparked the thought for WeLive.” The inspiration opened its first centre for younger males in Bengaluru in December 2020, with simply 5 residents. As we speak, it has expanded to a few residential programmes throughout Bengaluru and Chennai, supporting each women and men.
On the core of WeLive’s residency programme are two pillars: well-being and work readiness Each younger grownup who joins WeLive’s aftercare residency programme is required to observe a structured path that mixes work and schooling. “Every resident will need to have a part-time job and be enrolled in a examine course,” explains Ramya. “For individuals who have handed their Tenth grade, we put together them to finish their twelfth by way of the Nationwide Institute of Open Education (NIOS). In the event that they’ve already matriculated, they pursue increased schooling in faculty.”
Nevertheless, educational {and professional} improvement are solely a part of the equation. Ramya emphasises that these younger adults usually carry heavy emotional burdens. “Lots of them have endured extreme trauma, and that makes it tough to operate, not to mention give attention to work or research,” she explains. That is why WeLive locations equal significance on its well-being pillar, which affords counselling, psychological assist, and mentorship. “We all know that if a youth doesn’t really feel good from inside, it may be extremely arduous for them to carry down a job or excel of their research,” Ramya notes.
Belonging to the age group of 18 to 23, these younger care leavers from about 10-12 states of India are open to remain on the facility for 2-3 years till they acquire some work expertise, schooling and financial savings to get again on their toes.
Ramya, recalling the sooner days of the organisation, shared, “After we first began, our focus was on enhancing work readiness. It appeared easy — getting the youth into skilling and schooling streams, and serving to them safe jobs. Nevertheless, guaranteeing they stayed in these jobs proved to be a problem. Many, like most of us, change two or three jobs earlier than settling, and guiding them by way of this course of requires loads of assist. As soon as we established partnerships with talent suppliers and discovered the right way to assist them follow their jobs, issues started to fall into place.’’
A tradition of saving and investing
One in all WeLive’s proudest achievements is the monetary mindset shift amongst its residents. Over 50% of them are actually investing in mutual funds — a uncommon feat even for younger adults from steady backgrounds. “For many individuals of their late 20s beginning their funding journey takes time. However right here, we’ve 18, 19-year-olds — first-time learners from deprived backgrounds — investing in SBI and ICICI mutual funds by way of apps like PhonePe and Groww. “Their investments vary from Rs 2,500 to Rs 1 lakh, giving them the monetary basis to dwell independently,” says Ramya.
This tradition of saving has grow to be contagious. They now set monetary objectives, discussing targets like seasoned buyers.
This give attention to monetary planning is a part of the programme’s bigger aim: empowering youth to grow to be accountable decision-makers, each financially and emotionally. “They’re studying the right way to handle their lives, deal with relationships, and navigate crises. We’re guiding them into maturity they by no means had an opportunity to expertise,” says Ramya.
“We’re not attempting to delve into the specifics of their trauma or the way it occurred. What we give attention to is recognising that trauma exists and responding with compassion. Our aim is to have interaction in a approach that helps them take small however significant steps ahead. We are able to’t undo 18 years of wrestle within the quick time they’re with us — that’s unrealistic. However what we will do is present instruments for higher self-care and self-management, serving to them construct the capability to navigate their lives extra successfully,” she provides, outlining the core values of WeLive
Possessing a youthful exuberance herself, Ramya shares that her journey with WeLive started from a spot of deep private dedication. Initially an English trainer skilled to work with adults, she first crossed paths with one of many NGO’s founding board members whereas working at Azim Premji College. “That’s how I discovered my method to WeLive,” she remembers. “I had all the time labored with younger adults, and I turned conscious of the coverage gaps on this sector. It was a problem near my coronary heart.”
Her background as a trainer and facilitator outfitted her with the talents to assist construct the organisation from the bottom up. “Lots of it’s about considering and theorising what you’re doing in apply. You must discover the suitable phrases, create a construction, and develop a framework for it,” she says.
Now, as CEO, Ramya is aware of the challenges confronted by each the sector and the CCIs from which these youths transition. “We’re always working to bridge the hole between what’s out there and what’s wanted,” she says. “It’s about far more than simply offering shelter — it’s about creating alternatives for progress, therapeutic, and independence.”
Unity by way of range
Youth discover their method to WeLive by way of a dynamic outreach programme, explains Prithvi Shukla, programme supervisor on the NGO. “We’ve established a nationwide care leavers affiliation and work carefully with district youngster safety officers,” he explains. “We companion with companies and go to varied CCIs, the place we introduce our programme, clarify its elements, and show how we function. Many of those younger people are unsure about their future, and the worth of what we provide usually resonates with CCIs. It’s not simply our outreach — our alumni have begun referring mates as effectively, making a rising community.”
WeLive’s attain extends throughout greater than 10 states, together with Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The programme brings collectively a various group, with youth talking greater than 5 completely different languages.
Along with outreach, WeLive runs a specialised transition module. “We take round 50 youth, aged 16-18, on area journeys to locations like put up places of work, banks, and universities,” Prithvi shares. “This builds rapport and introduces them to life after turning 18. We’re additionally working to supply these experiences on-line.”
Recognising the significance of fast assist, WeLive has additionally established an interim assist centre. This house offers a brief refuge, providing youth as much as two weeks of keep whereas they stabilise, obtain their first wage, or just get again on their toes. “It’s like a respiration house,” the executive employees shares. “A spot the place they’ve a roof over their head till they’re prepared to maneuver ahead.”
Inside WeLive: A typical day
A day at WeLive begins with a small but vital act — getting ready breakfast. For a lot of, this easy morning routine marks their first steps towards independence, instructing them the significance of constructing aware selections about vitamin and day by day habits. Because the day unfolds, the schedule varies relying on whether or not they’re male or feminine. A lot of the girls work morning shifts and examine at night time, whereas the boys dedicate their mornings to finding out and head to work later within the day.
Weekends at WeLive are devoted to progress past the classroom or office. English courses, sports activities actions, and mentoring periods fill the schedule, providing alternatives to develop new abilities and construct confidence. “We’ve partnered with Durga [an NGO] for gender sensitisation programmes,” shares Prithvi. “Each Sunday, they maintain periods at our males’s centre and with the ladies too, masking a variety of necessary subjects — from protected intercourse and emotional well-being to cyberbullying and POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment).”
The bridge programme at WeLive is additional enriched by way of collaboration with one other NGO, Enfold Proactive Well being Belief, the place the youth have interaction in discussions on gender id, sexual preferences, shallowness, and even delicate medical subjects like abortion. These conversations are crucial, significantly for younger folks navigating the complexities of relationships and sexual consciousness.
At WeLive, no relationship is labelled nearly as good or unhealthy. As an alternative, the main target is on understanding how relationships — whether or not wholesome or poisonous — affect one’s emotional and psychological well-being. “We create a protected house the place they will brazenly discuss this stuff with out concern of judgement,” Ramya explains. “Our aim is to assist them recognise the affect their relationships have on their emotional well being, and whether or not it’s the absence of a connection or the presence of a difficult one, all of it performs an element of their progress and therapeutic.”
‘It’s all the time the primary job which is the toughest’
“Solely about one-third of our youth are enrolled in graduate programmes. Most are nonetheless striving to finish their Tenth or twelfth grades, which makes getting into the workforce significantly daunting. Simply think about moving into the world at 18 with no Tenth-grade qualification — so many entry-level positions grow to be inaccessible. This leaves them susceptible, usually relegated to gig work or restaurant jobs that may result in exploitation. Our aim is to be their security internet, offering a cushion and the suitable encouragement to assist them construct their abilities and step confidently into the world.”
Ramya remembers a poignant success story: “There was a woman who joined us — extraordinarily gifted however struggling to discover a job. We quickly realised that one thing deeper was holding her again, one thing that had shattered her confidence and shallowness. For six months, we labored carefully together with her, offering counselling and assist to assist her rebuild her sense of self. As we speak, she’s thriving in a high-paying job, and it’s heartwarming to see her soar.”
Muskan, a 20-year-old WeLive participant, shares her inspiring journey: “Rising up with a single mom, I knew I needed to step up and earn my very own approach. I’ve all the time dreamed of changing into a dressmaker, however I’ve learnt that desires don’t come true in a single day. Whereas staying at WeLive, I secured a fundraising job that pays me Rs 22,500 a month. I make investments commonly by way of Groww and have already saved Rs 50,000. I’m pursuing a BA in Gender Research, and as soon as I’ve saved sufficient, I’ll chase my trend desires.”
“Extra importantly, I’ve learnt to handle my anger, information my siblings, and be a pillar of assist for my household. From having no tasks at 18 to shouldering so many inside only a yr, I typically marvel at how a lot I’m able to dealing with!” she shares proudly.
“Each quarter, we reconnect with our alumni to evaluate in the event that they want any upskilling or if new job alternatives have arisen. It’s our approach of guaranteeing their continued progress and success, even after they’ve transitioned out of our programme. We wish them to know that they’re by no means alone on this journey,” Ramya provides.
A basis constructed on ‘CRAFT’
On the coronary heart of WeLive’s philosophy lies a robust acronym: CRAFT — Care, Respect, Affection, Freedom, and Belief. These guiding values form each aspect of the organisation’s mission, fostering a nurturing setting that transcends the fundamentals of meals and shelter.
“For a lot of of those youths, this isn’t simply their first job; it’s their first encounter with the world past the confines of care establishments,” explains Ramya, including, “We function a security internet, a cushion that gives the mild nudge they should discover their footing.”
Recognising that some youths could wrestle to suit into conventional nine-to-five roles or really feel unsure about their subsequent steps, WeLive has launched one other initiative, WeLive Organics, to create different pathways to employment. Many of those younger people face profound bodily or emotional challenges that make standard workspaces daunting. “At our Bengaluru centre, we function an natural retailer the place the youth can earn a residing. This house not solely offers them with a protected setting but additionally permits them to have interaction in significant actions in the course of the day,” Ramya says.
Reflecting on her journey, she continues, “Individuals usually assume these within the social sector are right here to present, however the actuality is that we acquire excess of we give. This work deepens our understanding of ourselves — as human beings, as dad and mom, as mentors — and expands our capability for empathy. Our whole staff has grown alongside the youth we serve.”
Wanting forward, Ramya expresses her aspirations: “We hope to finally prolong our efforts to youngsters in battle with the legislation (CCLs). We’ve had some preliminary engagements, however we recognise the distinctive challenges concerned. It’s an enormous space, and whereas we’re not fairly there but, we intention to develop a programme that helps CCLs in securing employment and managing their lives independently.”
When requested what message she would give to youth contemplating the programme, Ramya shares, “This programme is a bridge to unbiased residing — it is going to empower you with the talents and confidence to face by yourself. Nevertheless it’s not a simple bridge to cross. The journey is full of challenges, and we wish to be there beside you each step of the way in which. By the point you transition out, our hope is that you just’ll have the means to earn a livelihood, sensible expertise, enhanced abilities, and a few financial savings. Extra importantly, you’ll have a community of individuals to depend on, and we wish to be a part of that community.”
Edited by Arunava Banerjee; Photographs Courtesy WeLive Basis
