Project JOSH – Transforming At-Risk Youth through Sports, Counseling & Purpose

Project JOSH is a transformative initiative launched by Ladli Foundation Trust, designed to intervene in the lives of at-risk adolescent boys living in the marginalized slums of Delhi. The project’s mission is to prevent drug addiction, juvenile crime, and hopelessness by creating a positive ecosystem driven by structured physical activity, mental health support, and vocational empowerment.

With strategic backing from the Delhi Police, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, and the National Institute of Social Defence, Project JOSH has become a recognized national model for youth rehabilitation. Through early intervention, community trust-building, and consistent engagement, it helps adolescents break free from destructive cycles and transition into society as responsible, confident individuals.

Why Project JOSH is Crucial

The Societal Context: A Crisis Among Urban Youth

India’s urban slum belts are witnessing a disturbing rise in juvenile substance abuse, school dropouts, and street crime. In Delhi alone, police data and community reports confirm an alarming trend among boys aged 14–20 who are exposed to or already engaging in:

• Use of substances like tobacco, weed, alcohol, hash, and inhalants

• Petty crimes such as theft, snatching, and drug peddling

• Emotional distress, including signs of depression and suicidal ideation

• Complete disconnection from school or vocational training

These boys, often classified as Pink File Candidates by the Delhi Police, represent a generation on the edge. Without meaningful adult supervision, safe spaces, or support systems, they are at serious risk of becoming repeat offenders or lifelong addicts.

Program Design: M.D.I. Behavioral Transformation Model

At the heart of JOSH lies the M.D.I. model – Motivate, Divert, Involve. This strategy is proven to influence lasting behavior change through incremental engagement and structured support.

• 1. Motivate

  Youth are engaged through dynamic awareness activities such as nukkad nataks (street plays) performed in partnership with Asmita Theatre Group. These plays, depicting real-life struggles with drugs, peer pressure, and family neglect, create a culturally relatable bridge between the youth and the program.

• 2. Divert

  Boys are brought into daily activity modules including volleyball training, yoga, dance therapy, and fitness routines — especially during “dark hours” when the risk of antisocial behavior is highest.

• 3. Involve

  Once stabilised, the boys are integrated into long-term mentorship, career counselling, school re-enrollment, or skill training programs like YUVA by Delhi Police and PMKVY.

Geographic Reach: 20+ Slum Clusters in Delhi

Project JOSH is operational across over 20 high-risk locations, including:

• South Delhi: Ambedkar Nagar, Madangir, Dakshinpuri, Tigri
• South-West Delhi: Sagarpur, Vasant Vihar, Vasant Kunj
• North-West Delhi: K.N. Katju Marg
• West Delhi: Raj Park, Nihal Vihar
• Central Delhi: Shahpur Jat, R.K. Puram
• South-East Delhi: Sanjay Colony, Harkesh Nagar, Chhatarpur

These localities were selected based on:

• High youth population density
• Proximity to crime-prone areas
• Substance abuse prevalence reported by local authorities

Outcomes That Matter: Real Data, Real Change

Behavioral Change Metrics (Pre vs. Post JOSH)

Session Design & Delivery: What Makes It Effective

Each phase of JOSH is structured with monitoring and evaluation tools that track behavioral shifts, retention rates, and skill application. The team uses:

• Baseline surveys and endline assessments
• Observation tools to detect signs of distress or relapse
• Focus group discussions and personal interviews
• Feedback loops via WhatsApp support groups and community meetings

Retention & Relapse Prevention

• 80%+ session retention rate across cohorts
• 18.6% of youth showed early relapse signs but were successfully counseled
• Zero reports of serious criminal behavior among JOSH graduates

Strategic Alignment with National Missions and Global Goals

Project JOSH is deeply aligned with:

• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• Government of India Initiatives:
  • Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
  • Skill India Mission
  • YUVA by Delhi Police
  • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (for future female-centric expansion)

CSR & Volunteer Engagement Opportunities

Project JOSH offers high-impact visibility and compliance for corporates seeking authentic CSR alignment under Schedule VII of the Companies Act.

• CSR Support Can Help Us:
  • Scale operations to new districts
  • Procure sports and fitness gear
  • Train local community coaches
  • Conduct tournaments, sessions, and career fairs
  • Provide nutritional support to underserved participants
• Volunteer Roles:
  • Sports and yoga trainers
  • Mental health counsellors
  • Career coaches
  • Outreach mobilizers
  • Social media content creators

Volunteers receive recognition certificates and training in community-based youth engagement.

FAQs: What You Should Know