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Learning in Fellowship Together (LIFT)
About the Programme
Come, be the torch bearers for the future generations of Care Leavers!
A one-year Fellowship focused on developing and nurturing Care Leavers as agents of change, working towards improving the overall situation of Care Leaving in India. The Fellowship model was created keeping in mind the need for nurturing Care Leavers in India, and for them to follow their dreams and thrive exceptionally by giving back to society. The Fellowship aims to be a stepping stone for the Care Leavers in their own personal growth as well as bridging the existing gaps in society, by equipping them with suitable skills to navigate through the challenges and solve them. The academic curriculum of the Fellowship is tied together through a year-long, hands-on, Community Project to design innovative solutions for the Care Leavers community in India.
ABOUT LIFT
”Learning In Fellowship Together (L.I.F.T)- Embracing Care Leavers as Change Makers” is a one-year program, focused on developing and nurturing Care Leavers in India as agents of change, who will further the cause of improving the overall situation of Care Leaving in India. Initiated by Udayan Care, with support from UNICEF, this is the first-ever fellowship of its kind, known as a Fellowship for young Care Leavers. Throughout the fellowship, fellows receive mentorship and training to develop their social innovation projects that address some of the unique challenges faced by the care leaver community through the Care Leaders Project and play a crucial role in strengthening their own state care leaver networks.
PROGRAM HISTORY
All children have a right to grow up and thrive in a family environment but unfortunately, India’s reality pushes many of them to experience early childhood adversities and grow in alternative care setups, mostly residential long-term care. At the age of 18, when they leave their child care setting, they are mostly unprepared, and unskilled and experience unique challenges in their transition to independent living. These young persons, known as care leavers, are the most vulnerable youth in any country and need a close continuum of care and support.
In 2019, Udayan Care, with support from UNICEF and other partners, published a research report titled “Beyond 18”, and came up with critical findings and evidence along with a set of recommendations. One of the recommendations was “to recognize care leavers as the most vulnerable youth-at-risk, and enable them with ample skills and opportunities to support them become independent and include their direct voices in care reform processes.
As a logical next step of the recommendations, in 2021, Udayan Care, with support from UNICEF, curated the first-ever fellowship of its kind in India, known as Learning In Fellowship Together (LIFT), meant only for care leavers in India.
We started with Batch 1 in 2021 with 8 fellows from 6 states. In year 2, we outreached to 15 states and finally, we were able to onboard 12 fellows from 10 states. We quickly turned into a movement with a robust alumni network of 20 care leaders who continue to make their presence known in the care leaver community advocacy through their work. From raising awareness on HIV affected care leavers to care leavers with disabilities LIFT journey focuses on the intersectionality of gender, orientation, disability, and reintegration of the marginalized community through strengthening care leaver networks and projects aimed at improving aftercare facilities by keeping care leavers' voices at the center.
Provide a platform for Care Leavers
The Fellows will get to hone their personal and professional growth through the curricula, and will be supported through a mentorship program.
Incubate and launch initiatives
The Fellows will launch initiatives that benefit the larger Care Leavers community in India, including strengthening the Care Leavers network in their respective states and national level.
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