Navajeevana means ‘new life’ and Nilaya means ‘abode’ or ‘residence’ in Kannada. The Navajeevana Nilaya girls’ hostel, run under the aegis of the Mali Shelter Foundation, came into existence in 2001 as an after-care shelter for young women over 18 years of age, who had completed their skill training and apprenticeship at APSA’s Kaushalya Skill Training Centre, and had secured their first jobs. The women come from disadvantaged backgrounds – orphaned, from single parent families, from alcohol-based or gender-based domestic violence or similar situations. Some are referred to APSA by Government Child Care Institutions (CCI) where over-18 residents need help to find their feet in the world.

Navajeevana Nilaya is a bridge for such young women – with support from APSA in the initial year of their work life. As the fees are modest, Navajeevana Nilaya provides the women with the opportunity to save for their future. While there are a few girls who are studying in school/ college or referrals from the Child Welfare Committees, most of the residents are working girls and Navajeevana is run almost exclusively by the residents themselves with some support staff from APSA.

This after-care home also provides personal counselling, holds meetings to resolve issues among the residents, and supports the to develop their personality, financial, social and homemaking skills for independent living in the future. The young women living in the Hostel learn about personal hygiene, care for their surroundings, live in cooperative harmony with one another and share equally in the responsibilities of running the Hostel. After one year, APSA helps the women move into paying guest or independent accommodation or group living, and continues to provide follow-up support. APSA also helps with the girls’ marriages, conducting background checks on the prospective groom and his family, and taking an active part in the marriage ceremonies.

Navajeevana Nilaya sees at least 25-30 young women establish in jobs and in stable adult life each year and has helped at least 750 young women since inception.