By Pramodini Naik, Program Manager, CYDA
As the five-year journey of partnership between CYDA and Help for Children in Need Foundation (HCNF) we reflect with immense gratitude on the transformational impact made possible in the lives of adolescents from the Tadiwala Road slum community in Pune. Through HCNF’s unwavering support, what began as a humble initiative to support marginalized adolescents evolved into a powerful movement for empowerment, learning, and self-belief. This journey was rooted in the vision of breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and marginalization among vulnerable youth. With HCNF’s partnership, CYDA established a Community Resource Centre (CRC) in the heart of Tadiwala Road—a space that became a second home for hundreds of adolescents who sought hope, direction, and a chance to rise above their circumstances.
Building Pathways to Change: A Community Transformed
Over five years, the CRC served more than 150 adolescents each year. The impact of this work is not only visible in numbers but, more importantly, in the lives transformed and the communities strengthened. According to CYDA’s 2024–25 impact assessment survey, the outcomes of this partnership are remarkable and deeply meaningful:
- Rising Interest in STEM Subjects: There was a remarkable increase in adolescents’ interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects over the course of the program. The proportion of respondents who reported being very interested in STEM rose sharply from 20.5% to 94.1%, reflecting a 73.6% improvement. This significant shift indicates not only enhanced exposure and engagement but also a growing enthusiasm and curiosity toward STEM-related learning—paving the way for stronger academic performance and future career aspirations in science and technology fields.
- Digital Literacy Became Universal: The percentage of adolescents trained in digital device usage rose from just 19% at baseline to 97.6%—a 78.7% improvement. More notably, 94.1% of adolescents demonstrated the ability to independently use essential tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, marking a significant leap toward future employability and self-reliance.
- Empowerment through Awareness: Gender sensitization and reproductive health awareness saw transformational change. Awareness of gender-related issues increased from 30.9% to 80%, while comfort in accessing information about sexual and reproductive health rose from 29.3% to a full 100%. These figures reflect a shift in social attitudes and an environment that now encourages informed, respectful, and healthy choices.
- Confidence and Self-Expression: Beyond statistics, the CRC created a space for adolescents to express themselves, develop leadership, and explore new dimensions of their identity. Participation in cultural activities, day celebrations, sports, and public speaking fostered confidence that will serve these youths for a lifetime.
Voices of Change: Stories that Inspire
Priyash Angur’s story is one that reflects the power of nurturing talent in the right environment. Joining the CRC for remedial support, Priyash discovered a passion for dance and, over time, transformed into a youth leader. Today, he volunteers as a dance instructor at CRC, runs his own dance classes in Vishrantwadi, and studies nursing. “CRC helped me find my voice and purpose. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to grow and give back,” he shares.
For Omkar Kamble, a sixth-grade student, the CRC was a space of emotional transformation. From being short-tempered and disruptive, Omkar evolved into a calm, focused learner, attributing the change to the guidance and care he received. “The Didi at CRC showed me the right path with love and patience. I learned to control my anger and focus on my studies,” he says proudly.
Lovely Singh, an 8th-grade student, recounts her journey from shyness to confidence. Coming from a background where girls had limited mobility and exposure, the CRC provided her with new experiences and the encouragement to step outside her comfort zone. “CRC gave me the courage to dream and the strength to believe in myself,” she reflects.
Gratitude for a Lasting Legacy
These stories—and hundreds like them—are the direct result of HCNF’s steadfast belief in the potential of every child, no matter their background. By supporting the CRC model in Tadiwala Road, HCNF helped lay the foundation for a sustainable, community-driven approach to adolescent development. The ripple effects of this investment are now visible in classrooms, families, and neighbourhoods where confidence, empathy, and aspiration have taken root.As we look ahead, CYDA remains committed to building on this foundation. The lessons learned, the capacities developed, and the values instilled will continue to shape the future of the Tadiwala community. While our formal partnership has come to an end, the impact created will live on in every adolescent who walks into the CRC believing they can learn, grow, and lead.
On behalf of every adolescent, parent, and mentor whose life has been touched by this initiative, we extend our heartfelt thanks to HCNF. Your support has not only changed lives—it has changed futures. Together, we’ve proven that when young people are given the right support, they don’t just survive adversity—they rise from it.
