I’mpossible

As the oldest youth graduate from Snehagram and move into the “real world”, they face myriad challenges related to social stigma, lack of support from their biological families, uncertain access to HIV medications, and often brutal competition for jobs and opportunities for higher education. 

The statistics in Karnataka reveal the severity of the challenges facing the over 16,000 youth with HIV who attempt to live on their own in mainstream society:

  • 30% become non-compliant with taking daily HIV medications because of hopelessness, poverty or inability to navigate public resources – this results in high rates of complications and secondary infections such as TB.
  • 40% cannot continue their education
  • 25% get only temporary employment as laborers and have no opportunities for up-skilling
  • 40% have no reliable support system, resulting in social isolation and severe psychological problems

To meet these challenges, Sneha Charitable Trust has partnered with Teach For India and Save Orphans of Snehagram to spearhead a collaborative effort  between organizations dedicated to cultivating resources and opportunities for youths living with HIV through their childhood and early adulthood. The program, I’mpossible, is designed to improve the lives of these budding young adults after they leave the protected confines of Snehagram or other such charitable projects for children across Southern India. The name is derived from the notion that it is impossible for an HIV+ youth with complex physical, mental and emotional needs to succeed later in life, yet with the proper developmental tools in place, their goals and aspirations for adulthood are not only possible, but realistic as well. 

The I’mpossible concept rests on a well-validated theory of change – to develop strong fellowship among the youth themselves to build support and mediate positive social change for persons living with HIV.  

With a holistic, comprehensive approach, the fellows will strive to understand the challenges that they and their peers face, find the resources, networks and companionship to overcome them, and develop the mentoring skills and attitude to help younger graduates as they enter mainstream society.  The I’mpossible program will help the fellows take ownership of their lives to become healthy and productive adults.