Enable 100 low-income girls to complete graduation

Udayan Care is an India based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable children, youth, and women across India by helping them build lives of dignity and independence. Operating in 17 states and 44 cities, Udayan Care works through three main verticals—Child Protection & Alternative Care, Education, Skilling & Employability, and Advocacy & Research—to equip young lives with opportunities and care.

Within this mission, the Udayan Shalini Fellowship (USF) program focuses on the education and holistic development of deserving girls from underprivileged backgrounds. Established in 2002 in Delhi with 72 fellows, the program has now supported over 18,500 girls across 38 chapters in 15 states. USF offers more than financial aid—it builds confidence, leadership, and a sense of social responsibility through regular mentoring, life-skill workshops, and community engagement.

Program Highlights (September–December 2025)

Over the past four months, Shalinis (fellows) participated in a variety of sessions and initiatives designed to support their academic, professional, and personal growth:

• Employability Workshops: Over 450 Shalinis attended sessions on Email Writing, CV Building, Communication, Teamwork, Adaptability, and IT Skills. These workshops enhanced workplace readiness and self-presentation skills.
• Small Group Workshops: Around 480 fellows learned practical skills through focused sessions on AI for Career Success, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Decision-Making. The interactive setting boosted confidence, peer learning, and critical thinking.
• Quarterly Workshop & Mentor Sessions: A Diwali Celebration involving 133 Shalinis built teamwork and cultural appreciation. Meanwhile, 60 mentors conducted 583 mentorship sessions with 265 mentees, guiding them through academic planning, stress management, and personal challenges.
• Community Service (‘Paying It Forward’): Shalinis actively contributed to society through Clean India drives, teaching underprivileged children, tree plantation, donation programs, and volunteering at NGOs and old age homes. These activities developed empathy, leadership, and civic awareness.
• Additional Events: A Residential Camp and Mentor Orientation in North Delhi focused on leadership, motivation, and goal-setting among 81 participants.

Inspiring Story – Priya (Name Changed)

Priya, a first-year student at The English and Foreign Languages University, represented the South Region at the National Environment Youth Parliament. With USF’s mentoring and training in public speaking, research, and communication, she transformed her passion for environmental causes into a powerful platform for advocacy.

Conclusion

From employability and mentorship to social responsibility, every activity under USF continues to nurture self-belief, leadership, and resilience among young women. With continued donor support, the program aspires to reach even more girls, enabling them to become confident, educated, and socially conscious citizens who will lead change in their communities.

Links:

• Program Details on Udayan Care India Website
• Udayan Shalini Fellowship Program Video

• Udayan Shalini Fellowship Program Presentation (PDF)
  

Chapter: North Delhi

Donor: GlobalGiving 

Udayan Shalini Fellowship (Education)

Udayan Shalini Fellowship program (USF) of Udayan Care is a unique academic excellence and personality development program for deserving and talented girls from weak socio-economic backgrounds, aiming to turn them into empowered and dignified women or Shalinis. It is unique because it goes beyond being a usual scholarship program by not only supporting higher education but also providing regular mentoring and leadership development, and inculcating a sense of social responsibility in them. Udayan Care initiated the Udayan Shalini Fellowships (USF) program in 2002 in Delhi, initially supporting 72 girls. Since its inception, USF has assisted over 16,500 girl beneficiaries from financially constrained backgrounds. Presently, USF operates in 37 chapters across 15 states in India, significantly expanding its reach and impact.

In the past three months, the Shalinis actively engaged in both in-person and virtual sessions and events organized by USF, fostering academic and extracurricular growth. Face-to-face mentor interactions and workshop participation have created a sense of togetherness among Shalinis. The program consistently supports Shalinis and their families, guiding them in skill development and preparation for professional life. These Workshops covered various topics, including Positive Language, Career Awareness, and Communication, equipping Shalinis to pass on their knowledge. Additionally, practical exposure to the corporate world was offered through visits to various companies and institutions. New mentors, including dedicated alumnae, are joining the program, further enhancing the mentoring process. Donors and partners have played a crucial role in supporting the Shalinis, and their continued assistance is vital for advancing girls' education and expanding outreach. 

Employability Workshops:

Month                         No. of Participants       Topic

April 2025                    53                                   Communication: Verbal Communication

April 2025                    59                                   Effective Communication & Positive Language

May 2025                    44                                   Problem Solving and Conflict Management

June 2025                   15                                   IT Skills – Using the Internet for Jobs

June 2025                   54                                   CV Preparation

August 2025                34                                   Communication: GD and Mock Interviews

August 2025                63                                   Aligning Passion and Career

Participants gained valuable skills through a series of employability workshops focused on enhancing professional readiness and personal growth. They strengthened their communication abilities by engaging in sessions on verbal communication, effective communication, and the use of positive language, which boosted their confidence and interpersonal effectiveness. The workshops further developed their problem-solving and conflict management skills, enabling them to handle challenges with resilience and cooperation. By exploring IT skills, they learned how to effectively use the internet for job searches, expanding their digital literacy and preparing them for future opportunities. Practical guidance on CV preparation equipped them to present their qualifications and experiences more effectively, while group discussions and mock interviews built their confidence in professional interactions. Finally, the session on aligning passion with career paths encouraged participants to set meaningful goals and connect their interests with long-term aspirations. Collectively, these workshops fostered essential employability skills, empowering participants to take initiative, collaborate effectively, and pursue their careers with clarity and determination.

Anonymous Feedback:

The workshop taught me how to communicate clearly and confidently using positive and respectful words. I learned the importance of tone, body language, and listening carefully to others. It helped me feel more confident while speaking in groups or interviews. These skills will help me build better relationships and succeed in my future career.

Small Group Workshops:

Month             No of Participants                 Topics

April 2025        109                                          Igniting Change: Unleashing the power of                                                                                 public speaking

June 2025       77                                            Job Readiness

July 2025         70                                            Emotional Intelligence

Participants gained valuable skills through a series of small group workshops aimed at strengthening personal growth and professional competencies. They enhanced their confidence and communication abilities by engaging in the session “Igniting Change: Unleashing the Power of Public Speaking”, which empowered them to express ideas clearly, speak with influence, and connect effectively with diverse audiences. The workshop on Job Readiness equipped them with practical strategies to prepare for the workplace, from presenting themselves professionally to approaching career opportunities with confidence. In the session on Emotional Intelligence, participants developed greater self-awareness, learned techniques to regulate their emotions, and strengthened their interpersonal relationships, fostering empathy and resilience. Collectively, these workshops provided participants with valuable tools to communicate persuasively, adapt to professional demands, and build emotional strength, enabling them to thrive in both personal and workplace environments.

Anonymous Feedback:

This session taught me how to prepare for job interviews, present myself professionally, and understand what employers expect. I also learned the importance of teamwork and communication in the workplace. These learnings will help me in applying for internships and jobs in the future.

Quarterly Workshop:

Month             No of Participants                 Topics

June 2025       148                                          From Savings to Growth: Harnessing Mutual

                                                                        Funds for Financial Empowerment

August 2025    183                                          Making AI Your Career Coach

The quarterly workshops provided the Shalinis with transformative experiences that went beyond learning to truly empower them for the future. In “From Savings to Growth: Harnessing Mutual Funds for Financial Empowerment”, they gained the knowledge and confidence to move beyond basic saving habits, strategically grow their wealth, and make informed financial decisions that will secure their long-term independence and stability. The session “Make AI Your Career Coach” opened their eyes to the possibilities of artificial intelligence as a personal and professional growth tool, equipping them to leverage cutting-edge technology for career planning, skill development, and navigating the rapidly evolving job market. These workshops collectively strengthened the Shalinis’ financial acumen, digital literacy, and forward-thinking mindset, empowering them to embrace innovation, take control of their personal and professional growth, and step confidently into a future of opportunity and self-reliance.

Anonymous Feedback: 

This workshop helped me understand the importance of saving and how mutual funds can help grow money over time. I learned about different types of funds, the concept of risk and return, and how small investments can lead to big results through compounding. These learnings will help me manage my finances better in the future and become financially independent.

Mentor-Mentee Sessions:

Number of Mentorship sessions held = 450

Number of Mentors/Mentor Didi participated = 60

Number of Mentees participated = 265

Over the past six months, the Mentor-Mentee Program has played a transformative role in guiding and empowering the Shalinis to achieve their academic and personal aspirations. A dedicated team of 60 mentors, or “Mentor Didis,” engaged with 265 mentees through 450 enriching sessions, providing personalized guidance, emotional support, and motivation. These interactions created a safe and empowering space where the Shalinis could reflect on challenges, set meaningful goals, and build confidence in their abilities. Through consistent mentorship, the girls strengthened their decision-making, time management, and problem-solving skills, while also receiving encouragement to stay focused on their aspirations. The program has not only fostered resilience and self-awareness but also instilled clarity, purpose, and determination in every Shalini, equipping them to unlock their full potential and navigate their journeys with confidence.

Paying it forward:

Month                         No of Participants     Topic

June 2025                   10                                Gender Equality

April – Aug 2025         40                                Social Awareness Program

April – Aug 2025         35                                Social Drive (Blood Donation. Vaccination)

April – Aug 2025         28                                Financial Help / Donation

April – Aug 2025         35                                Helped Needy People

Apr – Aug 2025           30                                Teaching Underprivileged Children

Apr – Aug 2025           30                                Tree Plantation

Apr – Aug 2025           15                                Volunteered for Street Animals and Birds

Apr – Aug 2025           15                                Volunteered at Old Age Home

A core aim of the program is to nurture a strong sense of social responsibility, empathy, and active citizenship among the Shalinis. Through the Paying it Forward initiatives, the girls engaged in diverse community service activities that enabled them to contribute meaningfully to society while developing leadership, teamwork, and confidence. They participated in workshops on Gender Equality, championed social awareness campaigns and rallies, and actively took part in drives such as blood donation, vaccination, and helping the underprivileged. The Shalinis contributed to environmental stewardship through tree plantations, Clean India initiatives, and caring for street animals and birds. They also extended support to NGOs, old age homes, and underprivileged children through teaching and volunteering, demonstrating compassion and commitment to societal betterment.

These experiences encouraged the Shalinis to move beyond a ‘recipient’ mindset, building self-esteem and the understanding that they have the power to make a difference. By dedicating time and effort to causes they are passionate about, the girls learned to pay it forward, instilling in them a lifelong sense of social awareness, responsibility, and empowerment.

Anonymous Feedback:

Participating in the Nukkad Natak (Street Theatre) on gender equality helped me understand how deeply rooted gender biases still affect our society. Performing in public gave me the confidence to raise my voice for important issues. I learned how creative expression can influence change and educate others. This experience will help me become a more active and aware citizen in the future.

Additional Activities:

Month             No of Participants     Activities

June 2025       10                                Celebrating Change – Interchapter Meet at Pune

June 2025       10                                Street Theatre Festival by YWCA of Delhi

July 2025         70                                Health Checkup Campaign – Dental Camp

The Shalinis actively participated in a series of additional activities that went beyond learning, fostering self-expression, community engagement, and holistic well-being. In the session “Celebrating Change”, they reflected on their personal growth, celebrated milestones, and strengthened their motivation to strive for excellence in all areas of life. During the Street Theatre Festival cum Competition organized by YWCA Delhi, the Shalinis showcased creativity, confidence, and teamwork, using the stage as a platform to voice ideas, inspire audiences, and cultivate leadership skills. A comprehensive Health Checkup Campaign, including a dedicated Dental Camp, emphasized the critical role of physical health in achieving personal and academic goals, empowering the Shalinis with knowledge and habits for long-term well-being. Together, these activities not only enhanced their skills and awareness but also instilled a sense of agency, resilience, and responsibility, preparing the Shalinis to thrive in diverse environments and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Anonymous Feedback:

Being part of the street theatre festival was a powerful experience for me. Performing on issues like inclusion and equality made me realize how our voices can truly impact others. It helped me overcome stage fear and connect deeply with the audience. I now feel more confident to speak up for what’s right and inspire change around me.

Success Story:

Name of the Shalini: Priya (Name changed)

Priya, Humanities student, has been an inspiring member of the Udayan Shalini Fellowship since 2023. A committed and motivated learner, she embodies the values of the USF program through her dedication, leadership, and resilience.

Academically, Priya has consistently excelled, securing top ranks in her class and achieving an impressive 95% in her Class 12 board exams—a testament to her hard work and unwavering focus. Beyond academics, she has demonstrated strong leadership as the EMC Head and a Senior Debater, earning recognition in school and community debates for her skill, confidence, and persuasive communication.

Hailing from an urban, lower-income family, Priya faced financial and social challenges that could have hindered her progress. Yet, she remained determined to pursue her dreams, leveraging every opportunity to learn and grow. The USF program played a crucial role in her journey, providing mentorship, life-skills sessions, and emotional support that strengthened her confidence, sharpened her communication skills, and helped her stay committed to her aspirations.

Today, Priya stands out as a confident, self-aware, and career-driven young woman, aspiring to become a lawyer and inspire other girls in her community to pursue education and independence. Reflecting on her journey, Priya shares, “USF gave me the strength to believe in myself.” Her story is a powerful reminder that with guidance, determination, and perseverance, every girl can overcome challenges and achieve remarkable success.

Links:

• USF Program Film
• Program Information on Website