By Anjali Hegde | Executive Director
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 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.
In the past six 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 like Positive Language, Career Awareness, and Communication, equipping Shalinis to pass on their knowledge, etc. 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.
Workshop with Shalinis:
Employability Workshop
Date No. of Shalinis Attended Remarks
06th August 2023 52 CV preparation, GD, and Mock interviews
06th August 2023 41 Initiative and Enterprising
17th September 2023 67 Team Work
In the six months, a series of employability workshops were conducted to enhance the skills and knowledge of Shalinis. The workshops covered a broad spectrum, ranging from fundamental sessions like Career Awareness and Guidance, Foundation Values, and E-mail Writing and IT Skills to advanced topics such as Non-Verbal Communication, and Assertiveness. Practical skills crucial for job search and interviews were addressed through workshops on Using the Internet for Jobs, CV Preparation, Group Discussions, and Mock Interviews. The series aimed to equip Shalinis with a comprehensive set of employability skills, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Small Group Workshop
Date Shalinis Attended Remarks
06th August 2023 41 Future Alumna Engagement Planning
06th August 2023 93 Career Guidance Session
13th October 2023 52 Session on Waste Management
15th October 2023 62 USF Orientation session of New Batch Shalinis
15th October 2023 135 Session on Cyber Security by Deloitte
In the past six months, an extensive array of small group workshops provided Shalinis with a rich and diverse learning experience. Topics ranged from Career Counselling and Alumna Engagement Planning. Specialized sessions delved into crucial life skills, covering aspects such as Waste Management and Cyber Security. The sessions encapsulated a holistic approach, touching on mental health, social awareness, and academic guidance, ensuring Shalinis was well-equipped with a versatile skill set for personal and professional growth.
Quarterly Workshop
Date Shalinis Attended Remarks
12th May 2023 150 Decision Making
17th September 2023 135 Financial Literacy
Over the past six months, a series of quarterly workshops focused on key aspects of personal and professional development for Shalinis. Decision-making workshops equipped Shalinis with critical skills for effective decision-making. The Financial Literacy workshops provided valuable insights into managing finances and making informed financial decisions. The quarterly series aimed to cultivate a well-rounded skill set, addressing the decision-making process, entrepreneurial thinking, emotional strength, and financial insight for the Shalinis' overall growth and success.
Giving Back to Society
Date Shalinis Attended Remarks
12th August 2023 137 International Youth Day Celebration
Over the last six months, Shalinis actively participated in impactful social work activities, showcasing their commitment to community service. The International Youth Day celebration not only brought the significance of the current age of our Shalinis but also instilled the feeling of giving back to society from an early age. The Shalinis reached out to their juniors in their respective schools and spread awareness about the Youth Day among the students.
Mentor-Mentee Session
Over the past six months, our mentor-mentee program has made a significant impact in North Delhi chapter. A total of 255 sessions were conducted, with the involvement of 83 dedicated mentors and mentor Didi and the benefit of 249 enthusiastic mentees. This program has not only facilitated knowledge sharing and skill development but has also played a crucial role in the holistic growth of our Shalinis. Through these mentor-mentee sessions, individuals have received personalized guidance and support for both their personal and professional development. The extensive participation demonstrates the program's effectiveness and its contribution to the growth of each mentee. This initiative underscores the importance of mentorship in building a well-rounded and skilled future workforce.
Additional Activities
Date Shalinis Attended Remarks
21st April 2023 40 Earth Day Celebration
05th – 11th June 2023 62 Residential Camp
22nd – 24th June 2023 8 Celebrating Change Event
12th August 2023 55 Independence Day Celebration
22nd September 2023 25 Corporate Visit at Interactive Avenues
Over the past six months, Shalinis participated in a dynamic array of activities, emphasizing a multifaceted approach to personal and professional development. Corporate visits to Interactive Avenues provided insights into the professional world. Environmental awareness and social responsibility were highlighted through activities on Earth Day Celebrations. Engaging events like Residential Camps, and Celebrating Change added to the holistic experience. The activities also included celebratory events for Independence Day, and Teacher's Day.
Success Story
Name of Shalini – Sandhya (Name Changed)
Batch – 19
Chapter – North Delhi
Sandhya belongs to a family of four where the father was employed as a daily wage worker as a delivery boy in a jewellery shop with a meagre income of Rs. 15,000 per month ($182 per month). With a younger brother who was attending school, financial constraints plagued the family.
Despite harbouring the aspiration to clear her NEET (Medical Entrance Exams) from the outset, the absence of proper guidance and support led to an unsuccessful attempt immediately after completing her school.
After receiving a lot of support from her mentor and building confidence through the program workshops, Sandhya realized that she needs to change her way of preparation for the competitive exam. She therefore took a gap year and began meticulously preparing for the entrance exam. Bolstered by the unwavering support and guidance of her mentor, she invested considerable time in intensive preparation. The structured workshops organized by USF played a pivotal role in maintaining her motivation levels and effectively managing her study schedule.
The culmination of her concerted efforts resulted in a noteworthy achievement, with Sandhya successfully clearing the NEET exam, securing an All India Rank of 3786 and scoring 665 marks. The next chapter awaits as she anticipates the counseling process, poised to embark on the journey of pursuing medicine as a career.
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