Roopa’s life has been a journey of resilience against odds. Having lost both her parents at an early age, she was placed in Refuge Home for care and protection. There, she received education and nurturing, but her life was shaken when she reached puberty. Relatives who had never supported her suddenly appeared, pressuring for her marriage. With Refuge Home’s intervention, Roopa was protected from child marriage.
The same threat loomed again when she turned 18. By law, children leaving Child Care Institutions must be restored to relatives. For Roopa, this felt like a nightmare—she did not want to be pushed into the same cycle of control. Desperate for a way forward, she longed for education and independence without relying on relatives.
Her turning point came when she was introduced to WWP through the Refuge Foundation. Selected into the fellowship, Roopa began her journey of self-discovery. Having never stepped out of the CCI alone, she initially struggled to attend sessions. With constant counseling, one-on-one conversations, and a safe, supportive space, she slowly began to rebuild her confidence.
Roopa says that WWP helped her find her voice. Once timid, fearful, and dependent on others for every decision, she has now learned to live independently. Today, she stays in a PG, manages her own finances, and even saves for her future. Though she initially found the loneliness of PG life difficult, she discovered ways to enjoy her own company—listening to music, organizing her space, and embracing self-care. One small but significant change she highlights is her ability to make informed choices. For example, when friends insisted she eat out, she declined, realizing it was unnecessary spending.
“Earlier, I didn’t know what I wanted. Now I know my needs and I make choices that are right for me,” she says with pride.
WWP has supported Roopa not only in completing her degree but also in pursuing a professional course equivalent to a Master’s. With determination and confidence, she now looks forward to building a career and securing a job with an income of ₹50,000 a month.
Roopa’s journey is a testament to how consistent support, trust, and guidance can transform fear into freedom. From being a girl who had no say in her life, she has grown into a confident young woman ready to shape her own future. Graduation Milestone 2025
