Ahmedabad 28 January 2025 — Udayan Care, in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit, hosted the 3rd Round Table Conference on “Advancing the Economic Empowerment of Care Leavers in Gujarat” in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The event aimed to address the challenges faced by care leavers — youth who transition out of government-supported care systems — and to strengthen aftercare support systems for their holistic development and economic independence.
Care leavers, who often lack the necessary support systems upon turning 18, face significant challenges in accessing education, employment, housing and essential services. Udayan Care’s initiatives, supported by the Micron Foundation, have been making strides in Gujarat since 2023, positively impacting over 400 youth across six districts.
The conference featured distinguished speakers, including Chief Guest Ms. Nayana Shrimali, Joint Director (Vigilance), Social Justice Department, Vadodara, who delivered the keynote address on “The Collective Commitment to Support Care Leavers in Gujarat”.
Other notable participants included, Moira Dawa, Program Manager, Micron Gives India, Vikas Makwana, State Controller, RUDSETI, Dr. Kiran Modi, Founder and Managing Trustee, Udayan Care, Divyakant Parmar, District Child Protection Officer, Minu Hirode, Convenor, Udayan Care, Manish Malhotra of Kedar Charitable Trust and Jay Parmar of Jumpstart Foundation.
Panel discussions at the conference revolved around equipping care leavers with 21st-century skills, facilitating sustainable livelihoods through employability and entrepreneurship, and creating safe spaces and networks for their growth. The discussions also featured the state’s aftercare and best practices, collaborations and scaling up aftercare programmes, being more than just an employer to care leavers, and the transformative role of mentors to empower care leavers to achieve independence.
Programmes like the Palak Matapita Yojana, Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana, PM Cares for Children, and the Aftercare Scheme were at the forefront of discussions, underscoring the need for comprehensive support systems to address education, health, vocational training and psycho-social well-being.
Care leavers are youth who have lived in alternative care, often provided by Child Care Institutions (CCIs), due to abandonment, neglect or exploitation. Upon turning 18, they face unique barriers, including incomplete education, lack of vocational training, difficulty accessing identity documents, and the absence of a support network. These challenges hinder their ability to transition into independent adulthood.
With the support of the Micron Foundation, Udayan Care has been spearheading an intensive programme in Gujarat to provide care leavers with mentorship, vocational training and pathways to sustainable economic independence. The organisation’s commitment to systemic change ensures that care leavers are equipped with skills, confidence and connections for a dignified future.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing state aftercare programmes, expanding opportunities for care leavers, and facilitating collaborations among stakeholders to scale impact. By continuing to support this vulnerable population, Udayan Care and its partners aim to build a more inclusive and equitable future.
