Institutional Childhood to Independent Adulthood

Aditya (a fictional name) is a care leaver whose story has the power to melt anyone’s heart. His childhood was filled with struggles and countless hardships. When he was only three years old, his parents left this world forever. Imagine the darkness that suddenly surrounded his life when a child was completely deprived of his mother’s loving embrace and his father’s protective arms. Broken by this tragedy, he was taken to the children’s home located on Dinesh Mohan Road with the help of the police and a few NGOs. He grew up there, but even in that shelter, he always felt the absence of his parents deep within his heart.

With tiny steps, he learned to live within the four walls of that children’s home. The staff and caregivers took care of him just like the other children, but still, there was a silent pain hidden in his eyes. He could not understand where his parents’ home was, but his heart held only one hope — that maybe someday someone would come and take him back. Every night, he would lie down on the white sheet spread on the floor, gathering the memories of his day, and fall asleep. But every morning, he would wake up to the same four walls, the same loneliness, and the same reality — a little boy living his childhood with other children like him, yet still feeling all alone.

Pain and Struggles: Life in a CCI (Child Care Institution)

Aditya’s education was disrupted while living in the CCI because there was no proper environment for studying and learning. Still, he somehow tried his best and managed to study up to Class 9 there. Then one day, his life took a new turn — he was shifted to Don Bosco Ashram in Lucknow. Don Bosco was well-known for supporting orphaned children, but even there Aditya could not find the hope every child deserves. The new walls of this new home promised a change in his life, but the reality was the same — only the names and places had changed.

Eventually, he was sent to a boys’ home in Lucknow, but along with that came strict discipline and harsh treatment. Instead of compassion, he was met with scolding and rude behavior, and many times he was even beaten. In that place, Aditya often faced rebukes and physical punishment. The cheerful laughter that should have lit up young faces was replaced by hurtful words and painful experiences. These hardships became a long, unforgettable chapter in Aditya’s story of suffering.

A Ray of Hope: Searching for a New Direction

Finally, at the age of 18, Aditya reached the Aftercare Home in Lucknow. From 2022 to 2025, he stayed there with a determination to rebuild his hope. In the Aftercare Home, he was taught several practical skills such as basic electrician training (wiring and electrical repairs), plumbing (water-related repair work), tailoring and embroidery (stitching clothes), as well as yoga and meditation.

Unfortunately, under the government scheme “Mission Vatsalya,” he could not receive the monthly financial support of ₹4,000 which is provisioned for children aged 18 to 21. When he turned 21, he was released from the Aftercare Home with only a few belongings — a plain T-shirt, a pair of track pants, and an additional set of clothes. He had his bank passbook, but neither any money in the account nor a single rupee in his pocket. At this crucial turning point in life, he realized that along with his dreams, another burden had also fallen upon him — the responsibility of managing his life all on his own.

After leaving the Aftercare Home, a young man named Vikram (a fictional name) — who was also a care leaver — helped Aditya get a job. He was hired at a small shop where he earned only ten rupees a day, and he had to arrange his meals by himself. The shop owner showed no kindness, nor did he provide food. Many times, instead of salary, Aditya received scolding and beatings. Whenever he felt extremely hungry, he returned to the Aftercare Home where he was allowed to eat after obtaining permission from the kind-hearted superintendent.

Today, Aditya has neither a roof over his head nor a stable job in hand. He still remains utterly helpless.

Aditya’s story is not just his own — it reflects the harsh reality of countless other children who are care leavers. It reminds us that despite numerous government initiatives, the efforts are still far from sufficient. What we truly need is better systems and continuous evaluation of how those systems are working.

What We Can Do to Help These Innocent Children

𝟭.Become a support for their future through adoption or sponsorship.

𝟮.Stay aware of government schemes like Mission Vatsalya and ensure that their benefits reach those in need.

𝟯.Volunteer your time and skills at orphanages and children’s homes.

𝟰.Spread these stories to raise awareness and encourage empathy and responsibility in society.

𝟱.Connect with self-help groups or NGOs that work to assist such children and help them access resources.

𝟲.If possible, help young care leavers in finding employment or provide job opportunities to them.

Now is the time to take a step forward — to hold their hands and stand beside them. If we come together, understand the emotions of these care leavers, and extend our support, then a new ray of hope can once again shine in their lives. Through such efforts, we can bring meaningful change not only to Aditya’s life but to the lives of every care leaver who is still struggling to find their place in this world.