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Udayan Shalini Fellowship Programme
About the Programme
By implementing the powerful combination of financial support and mentoring, the Udayan Shalini Fellowship (USF) arms underprivileged girls after their high school, with college degrees or vocational training, helping them blossom into confident and independent young women. Shalini is a Hindi word meaning a ‘dignified, empowered woman’.
At Udayan Care, we believe that a girl with a will to learn should not be constrained by lack of support. This idea sparked USF, which offers far more than financial support. It includes mentoring, capacity-building, resource workshops and inculcating a sense of giving back to society.
A Shalini is a motivated and meritorious girl backed by USF, who beats the odds imposed by financial and social constraints by demonstrating passion, dedication and a mind-set that never gives up.
Gender, poverty and disparities in Indian society are deeply entrenched. Therefore, when it comes to education, girls, more so from economically deprived backgrounds, often get short-changed. With USF, we redress this imbalance.
USF began in 2002 with the North Delhi chapter and 72 girls. Since 2002, we’ve generated dynamic change in the lives of about 6000 girls. At present, we have 4000 Fellows and 15 thriving chapters in 10 states.
Programme Objective
Encouraging Girls to Study through Financial Support
USF helps girls studying in government schools transcend the limits of their socio-economic background and realise their full potential, by providing the financial backing they need to continue studying post class X. Financial support allows our Shalinis to focus on their education and pursue their secondary education and college.
Holistic Development of Shalinis through Workshops
We equip our Shalinis to excel at life by giving them the necessary tools to grow and flourish. USF offers personality development training and exposure to viable career choices. Through academic guidance, career counselling and life skills training, USF broadens their horizons and trains them to think independently. Our Shalinis realize their immense potential and outshine the world at every opportunity.
Individual Guidance through Mentoring
A robust mentoring system anchors each Shalini on her voyage of self-discovery. At every stage of the Fellowship, a Shalini has a supportive mentor giving her individual attention and counselling—this ensures that they receive the right guidance at the right moment. The special guidance received by each Shalini makes her strong, stable and confident.
Youth that Give Back
Another primary aim of the programme is to inculcate a sense of social awareness and responsibility in the girls. As they thrive, they are encouraged to help younger Shalinis. By giving back to society, a Shalini changes from a ‘recipient’ to someone who ‘gives back’ to society.