PeerUp India is a digital peer mentoring platform designed to support care leavers (CLs) transitioning out of Child Care Institutions (CCIs). In India, approximately 1.5 million children live in CCIs, according to UNICEF. While these institutions provide shelter and basic needs, the real challenge begins when these young adults turn 18 and must navigate adulthood on their own. Research shows that while about 50% of care leavers manage to pursue higher education and savings, a significant number lack social and organizational support. This lack of guidance often leads to unemployment, housing insecurity, and social isolation, leaving care leavers vulnerable to poverty and exploitation.

The absence of a structured support system for these young adults makes it difficult for them to transition into stable careers and independent lives. Many struggle to secure employment or find suitable accommodation. Some rely on informal networks of fellow care leavers, while others face extreme hardships. We believe that structured mentorship can bridge this gap by offering peer-driven guidance and access to essential resources.

PeerUp India seeks to create a safe and structured mentoring network, where experienced care leavers act as mentors to those in need. Through AI-driven mentor-mentee matching, we will ensure that each individual is paired with someone who understands their challenges. The platform will also provide career guidance, skill-building workshops, and mental health support, helping care leavers make informed decisions about their future. Additionally, we aim to partner with NGOs, corporate CSR programs, and educational institutions to expand access to opportunities.

By providing emotional support, career guidance, and structured mentorship, PeerUp India has the potential to increase employment rates, improve mental well-being, and create a strong community where no care leaver feels abandoned. Our goal is to make sure that every young adult leaving institutional care has the resources and network needed to succeed in life.