– Priya Pharande
Program Manager of Youth unit in Centre for Youth Development & Activities.
In the heart of Pune’s slums, a transformation is brewing. Amidst the cramped lanes and makeshift homes, a group of young people are defying the odds to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities. The Youth Development Program (YDP), initiated by CYDA in collaboration with Yardi Vasti Vikas Prakalpa (YVVP has been instrumental in empowering these young minds. By providing a safe space for self-expression, education, and skill-building, the program has become a beacon of hope for many.
At the, Satavwadi & Ramtekdi in Hadpsar & Wanowarie, Youth Resource Centers, one of the two vibrant hubs established by CYDA, young people gather to play sports, explore music, and develop essential life skills. From self-awareness and communication to gender and sexuality awareness, these sessions have become a catalyst for positive change.
The impact is palpable. Dropout rates have decreased, and young people are rekindling their interest in education. Six youth have secured jobs, while three have started their own businesses, demonstrating the power of consistent support and mentoring.
One remarkable story is that of a young man who was struggling with addiction and had dropped out of school. Through continuous counseling and intervention, his perspective towards life has changed drastically. He is now motivated to pursue a career in business and has started recognizing his responsibilities towards his family.
Chetan(Name Changed) began attending the YRC at Satavwadi in July 2024. Initially, he was addicted to tobacco (paan), consuming 12–13 a day. He was introduced to the center through a friend and was under the influence of a high-risk peer group. After the center established rules—such as no substance use and dress discipline gradually adapted.
Coming from a challenging background, with no father, a younger brother, and a mother managing all responsibilities, Chetan lacked guidance at home. He had dropped out of school in 9th grade due to behavioural issues, and his outlook on girls and life was shaped by difficult circumstances.
Through regular YRC sessions on values, gender, and sexuality, Chetan began to reflect and change. He started reducing his addiction, became more respectful toward others, and opened up about his family struggles. With consistent mentoring, he developed an interest in learning auto garage work and expressed a desire to resume his education.
“Didi, I now realize how much I’ve changed,” he shared. The YRC gave him hope and a new direction in life.
The program has also made significant strides in promoting gender equality and social cohesion. Boys and girls who once avoided interacting with each other due to entrenched stereotypes now share the space with mutual respect and camaraderie.
YDP also impacted girls from the community to understand their own self better and take decision with rational thinking.
Rupali(Name changed), a 17-year-old, is an active member of the Youth Development Program (YDP) group from Mahatma Phule Vasti. She was first met during community mobilization efforts. At home, she lives with her parents, five sisters, and a sister-in-law in a small, humble house.
After joining the group, her participation in YDP sessions steadily increased. Following the “Love and Attraction” session, Rupali opened up to her facilitator about her personal struggles. A few months earlier, she had attempted suicide due to romantic relationship issues, family conflicts, and emotional distress. These challenges also led her to drop out of school during her 9th grade.
Through regular YDP sessions and continued one-on-one interactions, she gradually began to understand her decisions—recognizing what was healthy for her and what was not. Her family, considering her past, began pressuring her into marriage. However, with consistent support from the YDP sessions and her facilitator, Rupali found the strength to stand up for herself. Over three months, she persistently worked to convince her family to stop forcing her into marriage.
Today, Rupali is focused on completing her education and rebuilding her dreams.
As the YDP continues to grow and evolve, its impact will be felt far beyond the slums of Pune. These young people, armed with confidence, skills, and a newfound sense of purpose, will become the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow.
Their stories are a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and thrive against all odds. As we celebrate their successes, we are reminded that every young person deserves the chance to grow, to learn, and to shine.
