Rise Up Home (RUH)
The story of RUH is not just one of the children. It is a proof of concept, a blueprint that demonstrates what childcare can and must be. RUH is now documenting its entire system — from daily routines and emotional care practices to financial planning and aftercare frameworks — with a vision to replicate this model across India. What began in Kerala, the cradle of social welfare innovation, has the potential to grow into a pan-Indian movement for deinstitutionalization.
In a time when child protection debates often revolve around schemes and statistics, structures and schemes, Rise Up Home reminds us of the simplest truth: real change begins at home. If India cares about its future, children, workforce, and values, then this is the path it must choose. With a vision of expanding the model to a pan-India movement by developing a care structure that includes both abandoned elders and abandoned children from different parts of the country,with the active involvement and mobilization of youngsters who stand strong in vision and are committed to leaving this place a bit better than they received it.
The redefined family model offers precisely this shift in perspective. It proposes a living ecosystem where abandoned children, abandoned mothers and responsible youth come together not as beneficiaries of charity but as members of a nurturing, interdependent household. It is a family rebuilt by choice rather than blood, by mutual care rather than obligation, and by shared responsibility rather than hierarchy
AGES
Above 5 years Old
Aim
De-institutionalize Kids
LOCATION
Kerala
“At RUH, we believe that every child is our own child. Each child deserves to grow up with love, dignity, and a sense of belonging to a family. Childhood shapes who we become, which is why we try to create the best possible environment for our children.Many of our children come here with learning gaps or emotional struggles. Some did not even know the basic alphabets when they first came. Today, with continuous support, they are reading, writing, and showing confidence that we once had to patiently build. ”
Punya
Caregiver
The story of RUH is not just one of the children. It is a proof of concept, a blueprint that demonstrates what childcare can and must be. RUH is now documenting its entire system — from daily routines and emotional care practices to financial planning and aftercare frameworks — with a vision to replicate this model across India. What began in Kerala, the cradle of social welfare innovation, has the potential to grow into a pan-Indian movement for deinstitutionalization.
In a time when child protection debates often revolve around schemes and statistics, structures and schemes, Rise Up Home reminds us of the simplest truth: real change begins at home. If India cares about its future, children, workforce, and values, then this is the path it must choose. With a vision of expanding the model to a pan-India movement by developing a care structure that includes both abandoned elders and abandoned children from different parts of the country,with the active involvement and mobilization of youngsters who stand strong in vision and are committed to leaving this place a bit better than they received it.
This redefined family model offers a powerful alternative to institutional care. It brings together abandoned children, single or abandoned mothers, and responsible youth as members of a nurturing household—bound not by charity or hierarchy, but by choice, mutual care, and shared responsibility.
At the core are mother figures—women who have faced hardship or abandonment and single women.They receive dignified employment, skill training, financial support, healthcare, counselling, and community reintegration. Through stability and respect, they become the emotional anchors of the home while reclaiming their social identity and self-worth.
Rise Up Home (RUH) intends to be a home in itself, providing
equal opportunities
What we dream of !
Establishing homes across the nation purposed to deinstitutionalize kids and by assuring educational, emotional, societal and psychological help for the children enabling them to chase their dreams.
Advocate for a rights-based approach and ensure that all child rights are secured, protected and enjoyed by the children.
Provision of services that are inclusive in nature and which enables the children to live a dignified life in the society.
To eradicate all kinds of differences and discriminations by providing the children with the required exposure to value-based upbringing.
Goals
Introducing the concept of alternate families
Social Return - Empowered Individuals as an asset to the society
Individuals with a healthy minds who excels in their own field of interest
Nationwide establishment of the project
What our team says !
“When we look back at how this journey began, it still feels overwhelming in the best way. The Rise Up Forum started working towards this dream long before, in 2019–20. Then COVID came, and everything became harder for us, including finances, movement, and coordination. There were days when it felt impossible to move forward with the research. However, with the support of our community and volunteers, we persevered.We need to reach more children who deserve a safe home, a loving environment, and a family.”
Vishnavi
Caregiver (RUH)
“One thing we are very proud of is the mixed-gender setup. Here, our boys and girls grow up together like siblings, learning to respect one another, share responsibilities, and support each other as they grow up. After our first boy joined RUH, the home became even livelier and happier. urning 18 does not end their journey with us. We remain their family, their support, and a safe place, no matter where life takes them. Our hope is very simple: each child should grow up feeling loved, protected, and confident enough to build a good life for themselves."
Adv. Revathy Sreekumar
Caregiver (RUH)
