Opening the Door to Untold Stories and New Horizons

Nurturing Strength and Purpose as a  care experienced person Being a care leaver myself, w orking with care leavers  locally and globally,  has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The programs I have been engaged with over the last one year as a young social work professional, are designed for empowering and enabling independent living by these young people, one s  like me who have aged out of the child care system.  They offer opportunities and hope, facilitating  youth to truly unlock their potential and build their future s .   My journey so far as a social work professional working with my o wn peers has shown me both the depth of their gratitude and the different ways they experience and express it.   Support programs for care leavers offer much more than mere immediate help. They provide tools for growth—through workshops, training, and mentorship—that build skills, confidence, and lasting connections. I've seen incredible changes  take place : young peopl

 Nurturing Inclusivity and Support for the most vulnerable young persons with experience  of being in care homes Entering the workplace for the first time is both exciting and challenging for every person but more so for someone like me, a care leaver. I still remember my first job and my first day as a Legal Analyst in a well-known company. It just seemed like a great day when I entered the office that morning. I felt it would be a great learning opportunity and everyone would welcome me with open hands and hearts full of love. Yes, that was so true. The environment was friendly, and my colleagues were welcoming. However, I quickly realized that there was a significant gap in understanding the unique challenges I faced due to my background. During my six-months’ probation period, I encountered several situations that put me in the corner, isolated, making me feel I was not wanted, and often highlighting my low social relationship skills. At times, I felt like my childhood trauma was c

“Reflections of My Journey from receiving support to now offering” Reflecting on my journey from receiving support to now offering it, I realize how much I’ve grown and how much more I hope to accomplish. My lived experience of being in care and transitioning out of it successfully has taught me the profound importance of having someone who truly understands and stands by you, at every step of your life. This understanding is the cornerstone of my work with and for care leavers, locally and globally.  As the care leavers’ engagement officer at Udayan Care, my role extends beyond simply fulfilling a job; it’s a mission to ensure that care leavers in India and abroad always feel supported and hopeful. And that I can be the ‘someone’ in their lives, whenever they need to fall back on someone they can trust.  I remember what it was like to be in need of support and wanting to explore my life and become part of a larger society. Often, I received sympathy instead of what I actually needed.

“Sisterhood is not about blood, it’s about the bond that ties hearts together” Growing up in a child care home in a big city, I often dreamed of living with siblings together for some time to create memories with each other, someone who would truly understand me and share love and affections with each other. I even imagined us supporting each other, learning together, and facing the world as a team. But as life unfolded, I learned that even within families bound by blood, differences in upbringing can create deep divides. My own experiences with my biological sister showed me this. While I grew up in a structured environment with access to education and mentors, my sister spent her childhood in a small, rural village, far from the life I knew. Our worlds were completely different, even though we were connected by blood. When we finally reunited as adults—something I had longed for during my years in care—I was eager to bridge the gap between us. I wanted to share my experiences and the

जब मैं अंधेरे में खोई थी, उम्मीद की एक किरण ने मुझे ढूंढ लिया था। दूसरों के हाथों से मिला था सहारा, मन में भर गया था नया जोश और जज्बा। मैंने सीखा है देने का मंत्र, खुद को समर्पित करने का कर्म। मैं बन गई हूँ एक दीपक, अंधेरे में जगमगाने वाला। अब मैं दूसरों को संबल देती हूँ, उनके सपनों को साकार करती हूँ। एक साथ चलने का साथी, उनके जीवन में नया अध्याय। मैंने पाया है जीवन का अर्थ, दूसरों की सेवा में। मैं उड़ान भर रही हूँ, नई ऊंचाइयों को छूने में।

  No blood ties bind us, that much is true, But love from you, we need it too Hugs and playtime, a listening ear, As we grow, our doubts and dreams appear With challenges and obstacles our life begins That teach us skills and real life learnings We face new things, we learn and climb, But need your hand to face each climb Though not your own, we still need care, Your love and guidance, a burden we'll share With open hearts and a watchful eye, We'll reach for success, support us to fly No walls of sadness will hold us down, Your love and strength will make us whole Exploring dreams, big and bold, A family story, yet to be told One day we'll be a family strong, Love will bind us, where we will belong.