Umang

Sahyog Umang was born from our commitment to support young women in pursuing social sector careers. We recognized the dual benefit: these roles, though less financially rewarding, offer lifelong vocational opportunities and significant personal growth. Furthermore, having trained women professionals in the community fosters essential services and a progressive environment, inspiring more young women to embark on similar paths.

We initiated a one-year part-time training program that included life-skills training, perspective-building sessions, orientation to social sector careers, introductions to women professionals, and spoken-English lessons. Trainees also volunteered in Sahyog’s programs, gaining practical experience. Post-training, they were placed in NGOs for six months of hands-on experience. Through this journey, 200 girls completed their school-leaving exams, with about 100 transitioning to college. Many others pursued skills through various training courses, apprenticeships, and employment.

The impact was profound: none of the participants married before 18, and they valued the program for empowering them to make independent decisions, move around confidently, and express themselves freely.

Our work with adolescent girls and young women from low-income communities revealed the critical need for both scholarship and mentorship to support secondary and higher education. Financial assistance helps ensure girls complete their education despite socio-economic challenges, while personalized guidance through mentorship fosters confident, well-rounded personalities.

In June 2017, we launched the Umang Scholarship-Mentorship Program under the Sahyog Umang umbrella, aiming to provide comprehensive support to young girls in the Narayan Nagar Community, covering Junior College, Secondary School, Graduation, and professional courses.