Youth like us usually face challenges in facing the world independently and often get exploited. The shift from a cocooned life we led in the CCI, we lack in skills dealing with the day to day life happenings. When we talk about life as a human being, skills are quintessential. By learning new skills, we increase our understanding of the world around us and equip ourselves with the tools we need to live a more productive and fulfilling life, finding ways to cope with the challenges that life, inevitably, throws at us. The OCLA provides life-skill based comprehensive sexuality education to every care leaver who leaves any care arrangement and comes under our folder.

We have high aspirations for our lives, but limited opportunities and lack of financial resources often force us to drop out of education and accept jobs we never truly wished for. Many of us are compelled to prioritize survival over our dreams. With growing family and personal responsibilities, pursuing higher education slowly becomes a distant dream rather than a realistic option. This situation affects our confidence and limits our future possibilities. The OCLA understands these challenges and supports care leavers by assessing their career interests, strengths, and abilities. It provides proper guidance, mentorship, and encouragement to help them continue their education. Through continuous support and motivation, OCLA ensures that every young person gets a fair chance to build a secure, meaningful, and independent future with dignity and hope.

When we graduate from an alternative care facility, the sudden transition to independent life can be confusing and overwhelming. Without a mentor to guide us on what to do and what not to do, many of us feel lost and uncertain about our future. As a result, we often accept jobs we are not prepared for or that do not match our interests and abilities. The Odisha Care Leavers Association supports every member under the age of 25 who is seeking employment by facilitating job opportunities and career guidance. The association also helps youth who wish to change their career paths by assessing their interests, strengths, and potential, ensuring they can pursue meaningful, suitable, and sustainable livelihoods with confidence and dignity.

The Care Leavers’ Association runs three Aftercare Homes in strategic locations across the state of Odisha, serving as transit shelter arrangements for young people leaving Child Care Institutions (CCIs). The transition from institutional care to independent living often creates a gap, as youth suddenly move from a protected environment to managing life on their own. This critical phase requires structured guidance and support. The Aftercare Homes are well furnished and provide a safe, supportive space where care leavers can gradually adapt to independent living. During their stay, they receive life skills education, career guidance, and emotional support. They are encouraged to take responsibility, manage daily tasks, and build confidence so that they can successfully transition into self-reliant and dignified adulthood.

Children do not come to live in Child Care Institutions under normal circumstances. They are often victims of abuse, neglect, loss, or other unfortunate situations that deeply affect their emotional and mental well-being. Many of them experience a disturbed childhood, which impacts their confidence, stability, and sense of security. In such challenging conditions, their education, career goals, and life opportunities are often disrupted or delayed. Without proper guidance and emotional support, it becomes difficult for them to rebuild their lives independently. The Odisha Care Leavers Association continuously extends its support to address their psychosocial needs through empanelled professional counsellors. This support helps care leavers heal emotionally, regain confidence, make informed decisions, and move forward toward a stable, independent, and dignified future.

Leadership and development are central to the vision of OCLA. True leadership is not about power, but about responsibility, confidence, and the ability to inspire positive change. Through the OCLA initiative, care leavers are encouraged to build essential life skills, strengthen decision-making abilities, and develop self-confidence to face real-world challenges. OCLA provides mentorship, guidance, and opportunities that help young people discover their strengths and unlock their potential. By nurturing leadership qualities, the initiative empowers youth to become independent, responsible, and socially aware individuals. Development through OCLA also promotes teamwork, resilience, and continuous learning. When young people are supported to grow as leaders, they not only transform their own lives but also contribute meaningfully to their communities and create lasting social impact.