In the vast, diverse landscape of India, there exists a community often overlooked and underrepresented—careleavers, individuals who have grown up in child care institutions and must navigate life without the traditional familial support systems. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by this community, the Careleavers Inner Circle Forum (CLiC) was founded to provide a platform for careleavers to connect, support each other, and transition from mere survival to self-reliance.
This impact story delves into the journey of CLiC, an organization driven by careleavers themselves, and its remarkable efforts in aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 1 (No Poverty). Through innovative technology, community building, and a strong support network, CLiC is paving the way for a brighter future for careleavers across India.
The Genesis of CLiC: A Vision Rooted in Experience
The Careleavers Inner Circle Forum (CLiC) was founded by a group of individuals who intimately understood the challenges of life after leaving a child care institution. The founders—Girish Mehta, Anisha Sharma, Dharmendra Singh, Samiksha Patel, and Nutan Bharti—all share a common background of growing up in child care institutions. Their personal experiences fuelled their passion to create a supportive community for others in similar situations.
Girish Mehta, a former resident of a Jaipur child care institution, co-founded CLiC after working with Childline 1098, where he gained a deep understanding of the issues careleavers face. Anisha Sharma, orphaned at the age of 8, pursued education in computer programming and now works with CLiC, aspiring to become a social worker. Samiksha Patel, raised in a nurturing child care home, holds degrees in Social Work and plans to pursue a Ph.D. Dharmendra Singh, who also grew up in a child care institution, completed various skilling courses and is committed to supporting other careleavers. Together, these founders embody the resilience, determination, and commitment that define CLiC.
CLiC’s Mission: From Survival to Self-Reliance
CLiC’s mission is simple yet profound: to create India’s largest network of careleavers and support them in their journey from survival to self-reliance. This mission is driven by the belief that careleavers deserve the same opportunities for growth, success, and fulfillment as anyone else. By providing the necessary resources, connections, and support, CLiC aims to empower careleavers to break free from the cycle of poverty and dependency, enabling them to lead dignified, independent lives.
Building a Network: The Power of Community
At the heart of CLiC’s efforts is the creation of a robust network of careleavers. This network serves as a lifeline for individuals who often find themselves isolated and unsupported after leaving child care institutions. Through this network, careleavers can connect with each other, share experiences, and offer mutual support. The sense of belonging and community that CLiC fosters is invaluable, helping careleavers realize that they are not alone in their struggles.
Today, CLiC boasts a network of over 1,000 careleavers, and this number continues to grow. This network is not just about numbers; it’s about creating a supportive ecosystem where careleavers can thrive. By connecting careleavers with each other and with various resources, CLiC is building a community that is resilient, empowered, and ready to take on the challenges of life.
Leveraging Technology: The DHRUVA App
In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in connecting people and providing access to resources. Understanding this, CLiC has developed a tech platform that serves as a comprehensive database of careleavers and connects them with various opportunities. This platform is a game-changer for careleavers, providing them with easy access to government schemes, corporate job opportunities, skill development courses, and more.
One of the key components of this platform is the DHRUVA app—Digitally skilled, Hungry for growth, Ready to perform yuva. This mobile-based application is specifically designed to assist careleavers in finding decent employment and encouraging micro-entrepreneurship. Through DHRUVA, careleavers can access a range of resources that help them build the skills needed for today’s job market. The app also connects them with potential employers and opportunities, bridging the gap between careleavers and the world of work.
DHRUVA is more than just an app; it’s a tool for empowerment. By providing careleavers with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed, DHRUVA is helping to level the playing field and ensure that careleavers can compete in the job market on equal footing.
Achievements and Recognition: A Testament to CLiC’s Impact
Since its inception, CLiC has made significant strides in achieving its mission. The organization has been recognized as a social impact startup under the Startup India Scheme by the Government of India—a testament to its innovative approach and commitment to creating positive change. Additionally, CLiC is the first NGO of its kind to receive support from UNICEF since its inception, further underscoring the importance and impact of its work.
These accolades are not just symbols of recognition; they are a validation of the hard work, dedication, and vision of CLiC’s founders and the community they serve. The support from organizations like UNICEF provides CLiC with the resources and platform needed to expand its reach and impact, helping even more careleavers across India.
Societal Relevance: Addressing Key Challenges
The societal relevance of CLiC’s work cannot be overstated. Careleavers face unique challenges that are often overlooked by mainstream society. Without the safety net of a family, careleavers must navigate adulthood on their own, often without access to the resources and support they need. This can lead to a range of issues, including unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion.
CLiC’s work addresses these challenges head-on by providing careleavers with the tools and support they need to succeed. By building a strong network, leveraging technology, and connecting careleavers with opportunities, CLiC is helping to break the cycle of poverty and create pathways to decent work and economic growth—key components of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
1. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8):CLiC’s focus on employment and skill development aligns closely with SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. By providing careleavers with access to jobs, skill courses, and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities, CLiC is helping to ensure that they have the means to support themselves and contribute to the economy.
2. No Poverty (SDG 1):Poverty is one of the biggest challenges facing careleavers, and CLiC’s efforts to connect them with resources and opportunities are directly addressing this issue. By helping careleavers find decent work and promoting entrepreneurship, CLiC is empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty and build a better future.
The Human Stories Behind CLiC: Empowerment and Transformation
Behind the success of CLiC are countless stories of empowerment and transformation. These stories are a testament to the impact of CLiC’s work and the resilience of the careleavers who have benefited from its programs.
Girish Mehta:Girish’s journey from a child care institution in Jaipur to co-founding CLiC is a powerful story of resilience and determination. After leaving the institution, Girish worked with Childline 1098, where he gained invaluable experience in supporting vulnerable children. His work with CLiC is a continuation of his commitment to helping others, and his leadership has been instrumental in building the organization’s network and reach.
Anisha Sharma:Orphaned at the age of 8, Anisha faced many challenges growing up. However, she didn’t let these challenges define her. Anisha pursued her education in computer programming and now works with CLiC, where she plays a key role in managing the organization’s tech platform. Anisha’s story is one of perseverance and ambition, and she aspires to become a social worker, helping other careleavers find their path to self-reliance.
Dharmendra Singh:Dharmendra’s story is one of continuous learning and growth. After leaving a child care institution, he completed various skilling courses to improve his prospects. Today, he is committed to supporting other careleavers, helping them build the skills they need to succeed. Dharmendra’s dedication to self-improvement and his desire to give back to the community make him a valuable member of the CLiC team.
Samiksha Patel:Raised in a nurturing child care home, Samiksha was able to pursue her education in Social Work, earning multiple degrees. She now plans to pursue a Ph.D., with the goal of making a significant impact in the field of social work. Samiksha’s journey is a testament to the power of education and the importance of supportive environments in helping careleavers achieve their potential.
Nutan Bharti:Nutan’s involvement in CLiC reflects her deep commitment to supporting careleavers. Her work focuses on connecting careleavers with resources and opportunities, helping them navigate the challenges of life after leaving child care institutions. Nutan’s dedication to the cause and her passion for social work are evident in the impact she has had on the lives of many careleavers. Looking Ahead: The Future of CLiC
As CLiC continues to
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