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Udayan Shalini Fellowship Programme

About the Programme

Udayan Shalini Fellowship derives its name from conjoining two Sanskrit words “Udayan” and “Shalini” meaning eternal sunrise and a dignified woman respectively. Beginning in 2002, with just 72 girls, the programme has expanded hugely and as of September 2023, 34 chapters spread across 13 states to ensure that no girl with the drive to learn is denied her dream, due to lack of support, and has inducted over 12,737 girls. 4500+ girls are already graduates in different disciplines, and vocations, and in prestigious jobs, in corporate, schools, colleges, and in NGOs, the rest of our girls, whom we call Shalinis (Dignified Women), are pursuing fields like Engineering, Medical, Chartered Accountancy, Company Secretary, Vocational, Nursing, and Computer Science, among others.

The USF programme has 5 key objectives. To provide financial support to deserving but needy girl students from government and government aided schools to enable them to continue their education; To provide individual attention, counselling and grooming through personalised mentoring to assure their overall mental, moral and over-all development; Through life Skill trainings & personality development workshops build their capacities , enhance new set skills & provide opportunities to widen their horizon of knowledge on social issues; . To develop ‘employability skills’ with components of trainings on career options, develop job-oriented skills and better understanding of employment world; To develop social sensitivity and a sense of responsibility, so that they give back once they become independent and start earning.

The programme partners with many inspired individuals who establish USF chapters on a voluntary basis as convenors and guide and lead the programme through unlocking multiple funding and mentoring opportunities for their Shalinis.

Our Chapters' Detail

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 realize their full potential, by providing the financial backing they need to continue studying after class X. Monetary support allows our Shalinis to focus on their education and pursue their secondary school 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 attention and counselling—this ensures that they receive the right guidance at the right moment. The personalized guidance received by each Shalini makes her robust, 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.

Developing Employability Skills

To develop ‘employability skills’ with components of trainings on career options, develop job-oriented skills and better understanding of employment world.

What makes us different

Unique Admission Criteria

Our screening process is robust and well thought out. It is structured on the ‘NAT’ model (Need, Ambition and Talent). A four-step process is in place, comprised of application, written tests, interviews and home visits to assess the need for support. This ensures that only the most deserving and talented girls become Shalinis. Just making it as a Fellow isn’t good enough; Shalinis are expected to adhere to a high standard throughout. Academically and otherwise, they must show consistent progress and apply for re-admission annually during the Fellowship. Such measures contribute towards achieving USF’s retention rate of 95%.

Financial support

We back ambitious girls and young women who merit higher education but don’t have the means. From Class XI to graduation or vocational qualification, we support their education at some of the best educational and vocational institutions, removing socio-economic barriers to education. The financial scholarship amount varies from INR 9,000 to INR 30,000 per annum depending upon the class and course, for a period of five to six years.

Encourage a deserving girl to realise her dream to study. Click here to donate online or email us at usf@udayancare.org

Pyramidal Mentoring

We pair each Shalini with a suitable Mentor. While interacting during group activities, Mentors assess newcomer Shalinis’ requirements and plan appropriate training and academic schedules. Mentor Didis, senior or former Fellows with leadership qualities guide younger Shalinis. They know the ropes of USF, and junior Shalinis see them as role models to emulate.

We assign Team of 5 Mentor Didis and up to 25 Fellows to Senior Mentors who are volunteers from diverse fields. Senior Mentors function as everything from career-guides to psychological counsellors for their teams. Shalinis turn to them for varied advice; from the right college subjects or career to take up, to handling stress and family-related concerns.

Sign-up and become a Mentor today. Guide a Shalini on her journey towards success!

Giving Back

USF ensures that our Shalinis undertake 50 hours of mandatory social service yearly, to shape them into socially aware, sensitive and responsible citizens. Shalinis become robust and confident; they pursue their dreams and go on to achieve success on their merit. One measure of true might is a willingness to help others. Our Shalinis never shy away from lending a helping hand to others. We light up the path for thousands of Shalinis, steering them towards independence. As they progress, they shine a light for many others.

Interaction with families

We prefer to take the girls’ families along with us, on a journey towards progress. Occasional home visits keep us in touch with the families and their situations in life. The open channels of communication with the family, coupled with counselling make a Shalini’s family feel they have a stake in her success. It gives her wings. Twice a year, workshops are conducted with parents.

Alumnae Network

Once a Shalini, always a Shalini. USF creates lifelong connections for Shalinis, who continue to interact, engage and help each other long after they have graduated from the programme. USF remains an enduring pillar of strength in their lives.

Stories of success

PRIYANKA

PRIYANKA

After losing her father at a very young age, Priyanka didn’t have a smooth start in life. Her mother became the sole source of income, working as a receptionist. Any extra income went to supporting Priyanka’s brother through his MBA.

The family’s focus on her brother’s education meant that Priyanka’s future had to be compromised. However, induction on to the UdayanShalini Fellowship Programme in 2013 eased the financial burden on her mother and enabled Priyanka to continue her development.

Currently, Priyanka is in her final year of Journalism and Communications from JIMS. She has become a prolific writer, and already works as a freelancer and lifestyle blogger, alongside her studies.

Employability & Personality Development

We are with the Shalinis for the long haul. During 5 to 6 years, we expand their minds and polish each facet of their personalities, through leadership workshops, grooming sessions, educational tours, outdoor trips and annual camps.

Our programmes consist of capacity-building training with a structured focus on employability skills. We expose the girls to various career options and help them develop job-oriented skills and a better understanding of the employment world. USF boosts the educational and earning capability of Shalinis, giving them self-worth and dignity. The years of intensive effort generate heart-warming results. Shalinis grow up to be self-assured, poised and compassionate young women.

Volunteer your time, become a valuable learning resource for bright young minds