Preface

We are pleased to present the annual report for the year 2022-23, which highlights the impactful programs and initiatives undertaken by centre for youth and social development (cysd).

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This report not only showcases our strategic shifts and priorities but also underscores our ability to sustain and expand our operations into diverse geographic areas.

Recognizing the challenges faced by marginalized communities, we deliberately chose to prioritize our interventions in alignment with our new strategic direction. Our focus was directed towards four key impact groups: tribals, migrant workers, urban poor, and disaster vulnerable communities. By refining our efforts and tailoring our initiatives to address the specific needs of these groups, we aimed to maximize our impact and foster sustainable change.

In addition to addressing immediate concerns, we also made significant strides towards long term development. One notable initiative was the establishment of the demographic intelligence unit for our state, which represents a ground-breaking endeavour. This unit is designed to provide comprehensive data and insights that can result in informed and evidence-based decision-making, thereby facilitating effective policy formulation and planning.

Furthermore, we consolidated our efforts in integrated farming and promoted millet production to bolster food security, nutrition, and livelihood systems in tribal regions. By supporting sustainable agricultural practices, our aim was to enhance the resilience and self sufficiency of these communities, thereby ensuring their long-term well-being.

Our collaborations with local government bodies, particularly panchayats in the southern and western regions of the state, played a pivotal role in deepening the localization of the sustainable development goals (sdgs) agenda at the grassroots level. These partnerships have cultivated a sense of collective responsibility, resulting in the effective realization of sustainable development outcomes at the grassroots level.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to people’s organizations, farmers’ producer organizations (fpos), as well as our donors and supporters, including the government, for their unwavering support and trust in our endeavours. Their faith and confidence in our involvement have been instrumental in driving positive change and creating meaningful impact.

As we delve into the details of our programs and activities in this annual report, we invite you to join us in celebrating our achievements, recognizing the challenges we have encountered, and charting a path forward towards a more inclusive and equitable society. Together, let us continue to strive for a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

Jagadananda
Member-Secretary

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Building Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

CYSD has been dedicated to advancing sustainable livelihoods for the remote tribal and rural poor of Odisha, with a specific focus on women, small holder and marginal farmers, and migrants, both in farm and non-farm sectors. This commitment serves as a pivotal strategy in reducing poverty. The organisation primarily operates in rain-fed regions, where agriculture, livestock and NTFP constitute the main sources of livelihood.

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CYSD’s core strategic initiatives encompass the promotion of sustainable agriculture through organic farming and Non-Pesticide Management (NPM) practices. This includes the propagation and dissemination of bio-inputs, the production and preservation of indigenous seeds, the adoption of cost-effective agronomic practices, the introduction of farm mechanization, and the utilization of renewable energy sources. Additionally, CYSD places a strong emphasis on fostering sustainable agro-enterprises, enhancing value chains, facilitating collective marketing, and promoting integrated livestock development.

Furthermore, CYSD has played a pivotal role in ensuring the social protection of landless labourers by guaranteeing wage employment through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and connecting eligible individuals with appropriate social security entitlements.

In the realm of livelihood promotion, CYSD has undergone a notable transition from a productivity-centric approach to embracing the concept of ‘Community Food Systems’. This shift encompasses various elements including production, processing, distribution and consumption, with an increasing focus on climate-smart agriculture. CYSD has also championed the production and consumption of millets, emphasizing the importance of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for the benefit of the local population.

The organization places significant emphasis on capacity building, targeting Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Van DhanVikash Kendras (VDVKs), and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). To maximise its impact, CYSD leverages resources through convergence with government agencies, forms partnerships with private entities, and collaborates with a wide array of knowledge centres.

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Integrated Farming

Throughout the year, CYSD remained dedicated to empowering tribal communities by strengthe ning their farming practices & introducing them to the concept of an integrated farming system.  This holistic approach ensured sustainable production and increased yields by employing ecologically suitable models and leveraging locally specific technologies. The outcomes were higher farm incomes, improved agronomic practices, cost-effective farm mechanization, reduced environmental risks, alleviated physical labour, elimination of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and minimized production expenses.

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The integrated farming approach encompassed a wide spectrum of agricultural activities, including horticulture, allied agriculture, value addition, and the promotion of various crops. CYSD provided comprehensive solutions, supporting the cultivation of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruit tree plantations, and other high-value crops. This approach aimed to deliver end-to-end support, fostering sustainable farming practices and economic empowerment within the tribal community.

In the tribal regions of Odisha, CYSD has been steadfastly promoting rain-fed agriculture with a specific emphasis on cereals such as millets, maize and local paddy varieties. Cereals have long been a staple in the tribal population’s diet. Over the past few years, CYSD has been actively working to encourage cereal cultivation and consumption in the tribal-dominated blocks of the state.

Tribal farmers, especially women, have been equipped with improved PoPs (package of practices) including System of Millet Intensification (SMI), line sowing, line transplanting, and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). These practices, combined with mixed cropping, consumption habits, and value addition through a cluster approach, have not only led to increased production but also significantly reduced the labour-intensive tasks associated with timely intercultural operations using farm equipment like weeders and pulverisers.

During this period, CYSD has covered 3,744.31 hectares of land with cereals, including 1,957.81 hectares of millets, 1,078.4 hectares of maize, and 668.01 hectares of local paddy. This initiative has engaged 10,174 households from 642 villages across both South and North Odisha. These interventions have led to improved climate adaptability and increased millet and maize production. In total, 11,291 households, including the 10,174 direct beneficiaries, have been connected to markets, enabling them to sell their products at fair prices.

In addition to cereal cultivation, CYSD has also developed production clusters for pulses, oilseeds, and spices like turmeric in tribal areas, serving both consumption and marketing purposes. These interventions primarily employ mixed cropping through a cluster-based approach, which not only enhances production but also provides additional nutrients to the main crops. Importantly, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has been strictly prohibited in these initiatives.

For instance, pulses like green gram, black gram, Arhar, horse gram, and pigeon pea have been cultivated across 435.76 hectares by 1,747 households in 140 villages. Similarly, oilseed crops like sunflower, Niger, and groundnut have been grown on 584.15 hectares by 1,985 households in 144 villages. These initiatives have enriched the nutritional content of the tribal population’s food and have led to an approximate increase of INR 20,000 in each farmer’s income by selling their produce at local markets with Minimum Support Prices (MSP). Moreover, surplus produce has facilitated interstate marketing, further benefiting the tribal communities.

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Nabina: Power-Boosting Millet Farming with Modern Practices

Millet, one of India’s oldest cultivated cereals, used to have a strong presence in Odisha due to its nutritional value. In the southern districts of Odisha, millet has long been a staple for generations. Despite its significance in the Indian diet, millet cultivation is labour-intensive and often results in low yields, with most of the crop consumed by farmers’ families. This is why of late farmers have been shying away from cultivating millets.

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CYSD has played a pivotal role in connecting tribal millet farmers with the Odisha Millet Mission (OMM), offering rural farmers a chance to improve their economic standing through better market access. Nabina Nayak is a 37-year-old tribal woman from Majhiguda in Boipariguda block, Koraput District. She transformed from earning meagre income through traditional millet cultivation to receiving recognition from the Odisha Government for the highest millet production per hectare. Nabina became an OMM beneficiary in 2017, with CYSD’s introduction.

Previously, on her 3-acre plot, Nabina cultivated finger millets and little millets using traditional methods, yielding less than 1.5 quintals per acre annually. She shares her journey, saying, “Before CYSD’s training, my yearly harvest was limited to 1.5 quintals, leaving me with minimal income. But now, with the adoption of appropriate Package of Practices (PoP) and bio-fertilizers, my yield has increased by 400%.” Impressed by the results, Nabina decided to promote these improved PoPs within her community and has since become a leader in transforming millet farming practices in the Boipariguda block. She proudly states, “With the training I received, I took it upon myself to educate other women in the village, helping them embrace these improved practices for millet cultivation.”

Today, Nabina successfully cultivates millet year round alongside paddy, eggplant, beans, and other vegetables, thanks to irrigation support provided by CYSD. She has become a symbol of empowerment in millet farming, embodying the positive impact of modern agricultural practices in rural Odisha.

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Furthermore, CYSD actively promoted horticulture through a cluster-based approach, focusing on high-yield winner vegetable crops and fruit tree plantations as well as nurturing nutri-gardens. This initiative has covered a substantial 5185.28 hectares, benefitting 15,604 HHs across 425 villages.

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Within this area, 4580.57 hectares have been dedicated to vegetable cultivation, while 604.7 hectares have been allocated for fruit tree plantation. The range of winner champion crops in our promotion efforts includes chilli, brinjal, cauliflower, potato, coriander, tomato, beans, ginger, pumpkin, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, capsicum, and onion. Simultaneously, our plantation activities have encompassed mango, cashew, guava, sapota, lemongrass, among others, offering farmers a source of sustained income from even modest patch of land.

In executing these activities, we have maintained a consistent approach, employing improved package of practices. This includes techniques such as raising local nurseries with advanced technology, organic certification for select products (like onion, brinjal, finger millet), enhancing the capacity of beneficiaries through tailored modules, crafting business development plans, establishing value addition processes, forging market linkages, and facilitating input and output businesses.

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■︎ The cultivation of vegetables

The cultivation of vegetables has not only bolstered self-sufficiency among farming households but has also diversified their food sources, thereby enhancing both their nutritional security and income.

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Impressively, we have linked 30,517.96 quintals of vegetables to the market, resulting in a remarkable turnover exceeding INR 21,57,72,015. Additionally, the introduction of renewable energy in vegetable cultivation has helped reduce post-harvest management costs and address storage challenges effectively.

The certification for onion and brinjal, achieved in collaboration with Nature-Positive Farming and Wholesome Foods Foundation (N+3F), under the Zero Pesticide Use Agriculture and Food Standards (ZPUAFS), has opened up new avenues for enhanced marketing opportunities and value addition.

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■︎ Livestock

Livestock rearing, carried out alongside agriculture and horticulture, is considered a highly profitable venture for securing sustainable livelihoods among the landless, small and marginal farmers in rural Odisha. In the past year, we engaged 11165 households in livestock rearing.

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Out of these, 2379 households received support for poultry farming, including chicks, shelter, feed, while 844 households were provided with inputs for goat farming, encompassing bucks, shelter, and vaccines. In a concerted effort, we administered preventive vaccinations to approximately 50000 ruminants belonging to 7800 households across 158 villages. Furthermore, we engaged 132 farmers in fish farming and helped establish 2 fish feed production units to meet local fish feed demand.

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‘Kadaknath’ Poultry Farming: A Path to Prosperity

In the rural households of Southern Odisha, poultry farming has emerged as a lucrative livelihood alongside traditional activities like paddy and vegetable cultivation.

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The allure of low investment, minimal space requirements, high returns, and strong market demand has made poultry rearing a popular choice. Among the commonly raised poultry birds in the region, the Kadaknath, also known as Kali Mausi or Black Chicken, stands out. Brundaban Muduli is a 32-year-old tribal farmer who hails from Majhiguda village in Padagada Gram Panchayat, Koraput District. While agriculture serves as his primary livelihood, Brundaban has found success and profitin poultry rearing. He proudly states, “With my various endeavors, I can now provide enough food for my family of six, ensure my children receive a good education, and make necessary investments for future farming and poultry ventures.”

Brundaban invested in 210 live Kadaknath chickens, each costing Rs. 120, for a total expenditure of Rs. 25,200. He explains, “After approximately 8 months of rearing, we enjoyed a substantial return on our investment. Kadaknath chicken commands a market price of up to Rs. 1,000 per kilogram, and we managed to sell approximately 60 birds, with each weighing between 1kg to 2.5kg.” To support his poultry farming venture, Brundaban also invested nearly Rs. 80,000 in constructing a dedicated poultry shed. He adds optimistically, “Given the increasing market demand for these birds, we plan to expand our poultry shed and raise more Kadaknath chickens.” Brundaban attributes part of his success to the intervention of CYSD, which educated him on essential vaccinations for the birds through the Fisheries & Animal Development department. This knowledge led to significantly reduced mortality rates and allowed him to retain more birds. Additionally, CYSD facilitated market linkages, enabling Brundaban to secure favourable prices for his poultry products. With a smile, he expresses his gratitude, “Thanks to CYSD’s support, we have been able to command higher prices in the market, which has made us very happy and encouraged us to continue our poultry farming journey.”

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Natural Resource Management

In the realm of Natural Resource Management (NRM), we made significant strides. We helped farming families transform 1,075 hectares of cultivable waste land into productive cultivable lands through field bonding, land levelling, and plantation activities.

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Moreover, we helped develop 240.3 hectares of common land using staggered contour trenching, field channels, water bodies, seed dibbling, and plantations, with a particular focus on addressing sloped areas to conserve soil and water. Additionally, we played a pivotal role in the extension of ecological farming/natural farming practices to a total of 6,326 hectares of land during the year.

During the reporting period, CYSD focused on enhancing irrigation potential in its operational areas, a crucial aspect of Natural Resource Management (NRM). Utilizing surface water, rainwater, groundwater, and other water resources, CYSD employed modern Micro Irrigation techniques through government schemes. As a result, CYSD successfully created 783 acres of irrigation potential through the construction of 44 MRLPs, 12 CRLPs, and 46 dug wells.

In response to the climate change impact caused by forest loss during the year, CYSD prioritized forest management in its operational areas. This was achieved by promoting agroforestry, mixed tree plantation (Adarsha Bagicha), forest protection, seed dibbling, community awareness campaigns, and collaborative efforts. Across 56 villages, CYSD covered 1469.5 acres of land with new plantations and protected/regenerated 2731 acres of forested land.

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Strengthening Community Based Organisations @Grassroots

Community level institutions, including Self-Help Groups, Producer Groups, Farmers Producer Company, Van Dhan Vikash Kendras, Labour Solidarity Groups, etc play a pivotal role in uplifting rural communities.

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However, these institutions often lack the resources for technological advancements. CYSD has been actively engaged with 2138 community-based organizations, providing capacity building, technical and financial assistance. This support focuses on value addition processes, product collectivization, enterprise promotion, climate-resilient farm practices, production enhancement, technology adoption, and governance structure improvement through better entitlement access.

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■︎ NTFP Mapper Tool

In collaboration with the Odisha Space Application Centre (ORSAC), CYSD has developed a Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping tool known as the NTFP Mapper. This tool serves the purpose of mapping Non Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) resources located in proximity to villages where traditional NTFP gatherers reside.

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It has been integrated as a distinct module within the Odisha Forest Management System (OFMS). The NTFP Mapper facilitates the physical survey of available NTFP resources in specific regions and generates visual representations of NTFP clusters through a web-based GIS Application. By harnessing GIS data pertaining to NTFPs and their distinctive attributes, the tool allows for the comprehensive assessment of the potential within each NTFP cluster.This data-driven approach enables the formulation of business plans for NTFP value addition and marketing by collectives. Regular surveys using GIS mapping provide insights into the trends of NTFP availability in specific areas. Additionally, the collection of data on average yields and other characteristics provides a true measure of the recurring economic potential of various tree species.

The results generated by the NTFP Mapper tool are expected to serve as a foundation for formalizing collection, aggregation, and logistics plans at the village and panchayat levels. These plans, in turn, would facilitate the establishment of aggregation points in close proximity to identified NTFP clusters. It is hoped that these aggregation points would serve as hubs for monitoring collections and offer proper storage facilities, thereby achieving the desired volumes required for successful market linkages of NTFPs at competitive prices. This approach has the potential to harness the benefits of economies of scale and strengthen the NTFP ecosystem.

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■︎ BANASHREE Application: Towards Successful Collective NTFP Enterprises.

In an effort to empower tribal women engaged in Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) gathering and transform them into thriving collective enterprises, CYSD has developed the Banashree Android application.

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This innovative tool serves as a bridge for accessing essential market information and fostering NTFP collectivization. Through this virtual platform, NTFP gatherers can effortlessly access critical data, including Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for NTFPs, a comprehensive database of fellow gatherers, detailed product profiles, market insights, vendor information, guidance on value addition, and information on various social security schemes.

The primary aim of the Banashree application is to overcome the challenges faced by NTFP gatherers in their collective efforts at the panchayat level. By encouraging a higher number of collective members to update their NTFP collection status for each season on the application, it simplifies the task of assessing the volume of available products. This, in turn, strengthens the bargaining position of the collective leadership, leading to more favorable pricing outcomes for the NTFP gatherers.

As of now, an impressive 6,006 members from 22 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) – these being collectives of tribal women engaged in NTFP gathering at the panchayat level – have successfully registered themselves on the Banashree application. They are now reaping the benefits of this powerful tool as they journey towards building successful collective enterprises.

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Convergence and Collaboration

CYSD strategically tries to foster collaborations and secure assistance from various Government Departments to drive integrated livelihood initiatives.

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Throughout the year, CYSD conducted stakeholder consultations at the Gram Panchayat, Block, and District levels to explore collaboration opportunities. Collaborative partnerships were established with block and district administrations, including ITDAs, ATMA, and various line departments such as Horticulture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Soil Conservation, Odisha Agro Industry Corporation, Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation, District Mineral Foundation, and Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation Ltd. These collaborations resulted in input linkages, capacity building, and the creation of durable livelihood assets, including irrigation facilities.

Furthermore, these approaches facilitated program up-scaling through convergence with different flagship programs, such as MGNREGA, SCA to TSS, State Plan, Jalanidhi-II, Odisha Millets Mission, Integrated Farming Promotion, National Food Security Mission, RastriyaKrusiVikasYojana, Odisha Livelihoods Mission, Mission Shakti, Jeevika Mission, PMKSY, and Social Security Schemes. Consequently, around 14,059 households were connected to mainstream development programs, leveraging approximately INR 19,36,48,800.00 from various f lagship programs and schemes.

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Dragon Fruit Cultivation: A Boon to Tribal farmers

The exotic Dragon Fruit has garnered significant demand in the fruit market, with an average price of Rs. 200/- per piece. Despite the substantial effort and huge investment involved in cultivating this fruit, the return on investments is promising, offering a stable source of livelihood.

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With the aim of supporting tribal framers in the Saharpada block of Keonjhar, CYSD has initiated an innovative Dragon Fruit cultivation programme, thanks to the generous support of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in Keonjhar.

While Dragon Fruit cultivation was a novel endeavour for these tribal farmers, they enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to learn and cultivate this unique crop. Despite the high initial investment required, all the farmers collaborated, contributing to the effort. For a single acre of Dragon Fruit cultivation, the estimated amount was approximately Rs.3,50,000/-, necessitating extensive preparations before planting. The farmers collectively contributed 10% of this amount, roughly Rs. 35,000/-, as a community investment.

DMF Keonjhar provided essential support, such as seedlings and cement poles, while the farmers themselves arranged for additional requirements, including rotavators, compost preparation, nets, and barbed wire, through their contributions. Once the harvest is complete, these Dragon Fruits can be sold at market prices, offering a substantial return on investment and motivating the farmers to continue cultivating such profitable crops for their livelihoods.

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Inclusive Education

School Education | Social Security | Health | Civic Education

CYSD is committed to actively engaging with vulnerable groups and marginalized communities, aiming to enhance their capacity through public education in critical areas such as disaster management, food and nutritional security, employment opportunities, development planning and livelihoods.

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Our strategic objective for the period 2022-2027 is to collaborate with identified vulnerable groups, assisting them in realizing their rights and entitlements across a diverse range of topics and themes. At the heart of CYSD’s response to the pressing issues facing these communities lies a focus on influencing, inclusivity, capacity building, and strengthening local institutions.

Our approach involves mobilizing communities, raising awareness about their rights and entitlements, and simplifying the process of accessing these entitlements. To facilitate this, we have developed complementary information platforms to disseminate knowledge widely, streamline demand processing, and ensure the realization of entitlements. CYSD’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations extends across all operational areas, including planning, budgeting, programmes and activities.

As we work to support vulnerable individuals in tribal and rural Odisha, CYSD draws from best practices in the sector both nationally and globally. Additionally, we actively contribute to shaping a collaborative action agenda related to critical areas such as food and nutritional security, health, education, entitlements, and other social protection measures. Our mission is to empower and uplift vulnerable communities, fostering positive change at both local and global levels.

To foster inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level, the active cooperation, participation, and accountability from all relevant stakeholders are imperative. CYSD has undertaken a deliberate, proactive and inclusive approach in engaging with the marginalized and vulnerable communities. This engagement focuses on enhancing their capacity across various vital thematic areas including school education, health, food and nutrition, skill and employment, as well as their rights and entitlements. This comprehensive effort invigorates multi-level governance by fostering inclusive local level planning, nurturing community leaders, building social capital, and engaging in policy advocacy at various tiers of governance.

In its pursuit of fortifying local governance and localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), CYSD has undertaken a diverse range of programs with the following objectives: rejuvenating local governance institutions by introducing people-centric planning and prioritization tools; institutionalizing citizen-led monitoring to enhance inclusivity in public services; ensuring community rights over food, natural resources, and information; empowering communities to access their entitlements under various flagship schemes and programs; and promoting a gender-sensitive approach to development. These strategies have enabled the organization to cultivate effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels, facilitating responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making.

Access to Entitlement

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Localizing Global Goals through Local Action

Gram Panchayats play a pivotal role in formulating and implementing locally tailored solutions, as the majority of the socio-economic issues, vulnerabilities and their consequences are inherently local.

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It necessitates a grassrootsdriven movement for local adaptation efforts. These statutory bodies define responsibilities and obligations at the grassroots level. By engaging in village development plans and delineating local contributions to state, national, and ultimately global goals, Gram Panchayats emerge as the ideal entities for localizing the SDGs. CYSD has formalized partnerships with 60 Gram Panchayats through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to facilitate participatory planning at the village level and provide technical support in finalizing Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs). In the current year, micro-level planning (MLP) activities have successfully been carried out in 16 villages. This inclusive planning endeavour at the local level, coupled with technical assistance for GPDPs, is expected to pave the way for the effective localization of SDGs through robust panchayat-level planning, execution, and continuous monitoring.

In addition to the planning initiatives, an entitlement mapping exercise has been initiated, covering 50,000 households across five districts in the KBK region of Odisha. This exercise aims to assess the status of entitlement access and connect eligible beneficiaries who have got overlooked with the benefits to which they are entitled.

CYSD assists Panchayats in achieving their specific thematic goals. In Odisha, the majority of Panchayats have focused on four themes: creating Water Sufficient Villages, Poverty Alleviation and Improved Livelihoods, Clean and Green Villages, and Healthy villages. Our centre is actively involved in these thematic areas through technical, concurrent monitoring of schemes, direct interventions, and aiding beneficiaries in collaboration with the relevant government departments.

CYSD has worked closely with Panchayats to establish Natural Resource Management (NRM) structures through comprehensive MGNREGS planning. This effort has led to the creation of 708 sustainable assets, contributing to the realization of water sufficient and environmentally friendly clean and green villages. Emphasizing sustainable rural livelihoods, we prioritize connecting marginalized and vulnerable populations with key government programs. In terms of health, we have facilitated concurrent monitoring of Village Health and Nutrition Day (VHND) sessions in 30 panchayats across five districts in the KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) region of Odisha. In addition, Urban Health and Nutrition Day (UHND) activities have been regularly conducted in two urban slums of Bhubaneswar with paramedic support. This monitoring has enhanced the accountability and effectiveness of service providers.

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Nurturing Community Leaders

Community leadership plays a crucial role in harnessing collective energy to bring about positive societal change. To empower community leaders in expressing their expectations, initiating collective action, and fostering cooperation at the local level, CYSD has been conducting an eleven-day capacity building program for identified leaders in a phased approach. This year, we successfully trained and mentored 200 community leaders from five districts in the KBK region. These leaders actively engage with their communities, advocate for their concerns at relevant forums, catalyse collective action, and strive to be agents of societal betterment.

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Enhancing Last-Mile Access and Empowering Vulnerable Communities

The Government’s policy of saturation and our approach to reaching the last mile align seamlessly. However, obstacles often prevent entitled individuals from accessing their entitlements.

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These challenges include lack of awareness regarding the process and benefits, as well as difficulties with paper work and digital applications. CYSD, leveraging a network of Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and volunteers, actively complements the government efforts to bridge this gap.

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Digital Financial Literacy: Amplifying the Voices of VDVK Members

Karishma Kandhapan, a native of Sana Gadabalsa Village that comes within the jurisdiction of Nilabadi Gram Panchayat in the Bandhugaon Block of Koraput, has been meticulously groomed by the CYSD team to serve as a Digital Champion.

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She has taken on the crucial role of imparting digital financial literacy to her community members and providing invaluable support for the advancement of women’s collectives engaged in enterprise promotion. Karishma’s efforts ensure their access to Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other entitled benefits.

Reflecting on the transformative impact of her work, Karishma notes, “The awareness of MSP and the collective marketing endeavours of the VDVK members have not only helped us generate profits from our forest products but have also compelled local traders to increase their price offerings in exchange for high quality products from our group members.”

This year, Karishma has achieved a remarkable milestone by facilitating the MSP linkage for a substantial 180 quintals of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) collected by 18 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the Bandhugaon block. She collaborated closely with the designated procurement agency, establishing a crucial connection between government officials and the women’s collective. Additionally, she has equipped the women members of the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) with the skills needed to streamline their internal processes, including product collection, aggregation, storage, and primary value addition.

Karishma’s commitment extends beyond her role as a Digital Champion. She also serves as a Bank Mitra (Bank Assistant) at Utkal Grameen Bank (UGB) in Bandhugaon, providing invaluable assistance to tribal women and other community members in accessing essential digital services.

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Improving the Education Ecosystem

In addition to securing basic social security entitlements, ensuring access to Minimum Support Prices (MSP) is critical for vulnerable and marginalized communities. 

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This access empowers them to achieve profitable returns from their agricultural products, reducing the risk of distress sales and exploitation by the middlemen. CYSD is dedicated to assisting farmers in accessing MSP for various products such as millets, NTFPs, and cereals, thereby improving their economic well-being.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, when schools reopened in February 2022, many children were reluctant to return. In response, CYSD launched the SAMADHAN project in Malkangiri district, one of Odisha’s most underprivileged and Aspirational districts. The project aimed to create a learning environment where children aged 6 to 14 engaged in various educational activities. They learned through community-based creative learning centres, guided by dedicated ‘Gaon Mitras (Village Mates),’ benefiting 1238 children in the Mathili Block of Malkangiri district. These targeted efforts led to increased community awareness across 45 tribal villages, motivating students to attend school regularly. Children attending the learning centres were able to read textbooks and solve basic numerical problems in line with their curriculum.

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Community Efforts Help Improve the Education Ecosystem in Inaccessible Tribal Block of Mathili

In the remote Malkangiri district of Odisha, where Maoist influence once prevailed, lies the village of Mendukuli. In recent past, this village has witnessed a remarkable and inspiring initiative taking place at the community centre.

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Children from the village are engaging in age appropriate studies, thanks to a “Community-led Education Initiative” initiated by the villagers and facilitated by CYSD. This initiative aims to make up for the education gaps caused by the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. What is even more inspiring being that educated young adults from the village have stepped up to teach these children.

“We’re not alone in this endeavour. School teachers, members of the School Management Committee (SMC), parents, and members of civil society have consistently supported us,” said Jhunubala Maharana, a 19-year-old tribal girl appointed by the community as a ‘Gaon Mitra (Village Mate)’ to teach the children at the learning centre, alongside a Local Resource Person (LRP)

“Out of our village’s 200 families, only 3-4 had smart phones when the pandemic hit. Nearly all the children stopped studying as schools remained closed for about two years,” explains Nrusingha Pujari, the SMC president of Mendukuli UP School. When schools reopened in 2022, these children were reluctant to attend classes. “During the pandemic, the lack of suitable learning devices and reliable internet connectivity caused these students to fall behind in their studies. Even after schools reopened in February 2022, they were unwilling to attend,” adds Purnima Majhi, an ASHA worker in the village.

It became evident during the pandemic lockdown that most children, including girls, were engaged in farming and daily wage work to support their families. “In this situation, where children lost interest in learning, Debjeet Beura, a CYSD team member, collaborated with the Block Administration for the upliftment of tribal communities of Mathili to establish a learning centre in June 2022,” Nrusingha points out.

“Now, two LRPs teach the students regularly at the learning centre, with other villagers contributing according to their abilities. In my free time, I teach these students Odia and English alphabets and numbers,” adds Nrusingha, who completed his studies up to Class VIII.

“Most villagers have an educational background up to Class VIII, but we teach our children with the knowledge we have,” says Sangita Pujari, a member of the Dalpatiguda Panchayat Samiti. “We want to ensure that our children can read and write properly, preparing them for further education in a formal school,” she adds.

“While the world faced significant learning setbacks in schools, the community-managed centres in several villages in Mathili, one of Odisha’s most underprivileged blocks, are effectively bridging the learning gaps,” emphasizes Sashibhushan Mishra, the Block Education Officer (BEO). “By instilling learning habits in children, these centres have significantly improved school attendance, reduced dropout rates, and now serve as a model for educational transformation,” he concludes.

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Promoting Health Seeking Behaviour among High-Risk Groups

CYSD’s urban community outreach focuses on improving the health of high-risk groups, including women, adolescent girls, and children living in urban slums.

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 A quick assessment in two slums uncovered unsafe maternal and menstrual health practices, along with obstacles to accessing healthcare services. Early marriages and pregnancies are prevalent issues. Adolescent girls lack knowledge about menstrual hygiene and sexual health, and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic have compounded these health issues.

Based on the findings, CYSD took steps to raise awareness about health and nutrition-seeking behaviour during critical life stages, such as adolescence, pregnancy, and early childhood (the First 1000 Days). We also provided reproductive and sexual health education to male family members, encouraging their equal support for the health needs of women and girls during crucial phases. We educated community based organizations like the Mahila Arogya Samiti, Swasthya Sahayaka Groups, and frontline workers like USHA, AWWs, and ANMs to deliver essential maternal and child healthcare, nutrition interventions, and mental health support.

CYSD’s intervention helped establish a convenient channel for vulnerable populations to access essential health advisory right at their doorstep. Simultaneously, it has fortified community-based organizations to facilitate tailor-made interventions.

To this end, CYSD has trained and certified nine women health volunteers from three different slums in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). These dedicated health volunteers now actively bridge the gap between the community and healthcare services, offering critical guidance on fundamental health matters.

Moreover, CYSD has nurtured and enhanced community institutions such as Mahila Arogya Samitis and Swasthya Sahayak Groups. These initiatives ensure the more effective delivery of healthcare services within the slum communities.

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Paramedic Volunteers Prioritize Health in Urban Slums of Bhubaneswar

A group of nine young women hailing from the slums of Bhubaneswar have undergone paramedic training as part of an outreach program initiated by CYSD.

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These women were selected through a rigorous screening process to determine their motivation for joining the course and their readiness to provide community services when needed.

During the training program, they received comprehensive instruction in basic healthcare and medical assistance. They were also trained to provide preventive care during pregnancy and the lactating period, as well as to offer support to frontline workers such as USHA, ANM, and AWWs in delivering health services to the residents of their respective slums.

One of the trainees, M. Madhusmita, a 29-year old resident of Sikharachandi Slum, shares her sense of personal fulfilment after completing the paramedic training course. She expressed, “Through this training, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer for my community. Becoming a paramedic and a source of hope for my community required me to overcome numerous challenges.” Madhusmita’s eyes sparkled as she continued, “When I first learned about this training, I was overwhelmed by the chance to acquire new knowledge and apply it in practice. Moreover, this training has opened up new avenues for me, providing me an opportunity to serve my own community and better prepare for real-life employment opportunities.”

“By instilling learning habits in children, these centres have significantly improved school attendance, reduced dropout rates, and now serve as a model for educational transformation,” he concludes.

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Civic Education on State Budgeting Engaging Citizens in Budgeting: Pre-Budget Consultation

The Odisha Budget and Accountability Centre (OBAC), an initiative by CYSD, conducts pre-budget citizenry consultations in Odisha.

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The aim is to enhance citizen participation and promote a pro-poor approach, where citizens’ ideas and inputs influence the budget-making process and the architects of the budgetary process to hear the citizens” aspirations. During the reporting year, this effort brought together citizens, legislators, members of legislative standing committee, community groups, academicians, researchers, media, and government officials at both state and district levels. A comprehensive macro analysis was conducted at the state level to shape the 2023-24 Charter of Demands for the state, which was then submitted to the Government of Odisha.

 

Value for Money – Deciphering the Odisha State Budget 2023-24: A Post-Budget Consultation on Fiscal Efficiency

Following the presentation of the Odisha State Budget for 2023-24 in the State’s Assembly, a panel discussion titled “Value for Money 2023-24” was promptly organized. This discussion aimed to delve into the budget’s implications for the social sector, conducting an analysis focused on two key aspects: first, evaluating the number of individuals set to benefit from this budget, and second, pinpointing any gaps or deficiencies, particularly within the social sector.

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 Takeaways (State Budget 2023-24)

  • Social sectors have been given top priority, accounting for up to 50% of the state’s budget. Essential areas such as education, healthcare, drinking water, sanitation, nutrition, agriculture, rural employment, and social security require multi-year budget planning.

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  • We propose an increase in social security pensions and the inclusion of all eligible beneficiaries, which necessitates additional budget allocation.
  • A multi-year budgeting arrangement has been introduced to ensure the provision of basic health services across all rural healthcare centres.
  • Substantial budget provisions have been made for quality preschool education, placing particular emphasis on enhancing the capacity of Anganwadi workers (AWWs) and closely monitoring services at Anganwadis.
  • Given that current market prices exceed the allocated amount for supplementary nutrition, it is imperative to adjust costs for Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP) and Mid-Day Meal (MDM) in accordance with prevailing market rates.
  • It is crucial to pay more attention to the budget for post-production management of agricultural produce. We recommend the operationalization of the Odisha Rain-fed Agriculture Mission, with dedicated budget allocations to revitalize rain fed areas in a mission-oriented approach.
  • We also advocate for budgetary support to diversify rice-based cultivation towards other high-value crops.
  • Finally, we urge for budgetary provisions to promote floriculture as a profitable industry in the state, through strategic intervention carried out in a mission-oriented manner.

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Reducing Disaster Vulnerability and Addressing Climate Change Concerns

CYSD has been playing a pivotal role in responding to various humanitarian crises in the state, spanning from the devastating 1999 super cyclone to the challenges posed by the COVID 19 pandemic during 2020-22 and the recent floods in 2022.

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CYSD’s disaster response efforts have been multifaceted. The CYSD team has worked diligently to enhance the institutional capacity of communities and community-level organizations at the village level. This includes facilitating the monitoring of disaster entitlements for vulnerable individuals and families, as well as promoting school safety. In addition to providing immediate relief, CYSD has implemented long-term rehabilitation measures to help communities recover and rebuild. Furthermore, the organization has intensified its collaboration with Gram Panchayats to develop Disaster Management Plans tailored to each Panchayat’s specific needs.

All of these concerted actions are in perfect alignment with CYSD’s mission, which is centred around strengthening the capacities of people and organizations in participatory planning and community-led monitoring.

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Response to Flood 2022:

In the recent unprecedented flood that occurred in November 2022, caused by the swelling of water in the tributaries of Mahanadi and Subarnarekha Rivers, more than a million of people were severely impacted, particularly in the districts of Balasore and Puri.

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In Puri district alone, approximately 2.75 lakh people from 380 villages across 65-gram panchayats found themselves stranded and in dire need. The Blocks of Kanasa, Gop and Nimapara bore the brunt of the devastation. Balasore district was not spared either, with 136 villages submerged, out of which 115 were located in the Baliapal block. The flood also resulted in the loss of around 9000 hectares of crops and affected over 1 lakh livestock.

In response to this, CYSD partnered with civil society organisations such as SAVE, AMURT, Sadhu Charan Charitable Trust, and ARM, in addition to engaging with youth platforms like NYP and NSS. Together, they launched a coordinated relief effort in 9 Gram Panchayats in Puri District and 6 Gram Panchayats in Balasore District, with Gram Panchayats serving as the central focal point for all relief and recovery operations.

CYSD’s efforts were concentrated on three key aspects: immediate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) campaigns, mid-term livelihood interventions, and long-term recovery support. The CYSD team provided essential support to 3,000 individuals through WASH and healthcare interventions. Additionally, 2,000 households received dry rations to meet their immediate needs, while 2,400 women and adolescents were equipped with hygiene kits to ensure their well-being. In keeping with its commitment to bolster livelihoods, CYSD extended support to 1,112 farmers in agri-allied sectors, resulting in the production of an impressive 1.3 million kilograms of vegetables, valued at 18 million rupees. Furthermore, CYSD’s social housing hub played a pivotal role by assisting 90 of the most vulnerable households, transforming their homes into retrofitted, climate-resilient structures.

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Resilience and Redemption: Sulochana Devi’s Battle to Reclaim her Livelihood

Sulochana Devi, a 55-year-old widow, has been living alone in the Sahoopada village, situated in the Kanasa Block of Puri district in Odisha, for the past seven years.

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This solitary life followed her son’s marriage, leaving her to live alone. She recalls a week of living amidst flood waters, an experience she found more menacing than the threat of the Corona Virus. Due to this isolation, she was unable to continue her daily routine of selling vegetables, which used to earn her Rs 40 per day.

When the waters of the Daya River, part of the Mahanadi basin, surged, the entire village found itself marooned for over two weeks. Coupled with the pervasive poverty in the region, the most pressing concern for marginalized individuals like Sulochana was securing enough food to stave off hunger and embarking on a journey towards restoring their livelihoods.

At the moment when Sulochana Devi had almost lost hope of finding sustenance, two non-profit organizations, CYSD and APF, arrived in her community. They distributed dry ration kits designed to last an entire month. This one month supply of dry rations provided her with the means to endure until she could resume her job once the floodwaters receded. Similar to Sulochana Devi, this support brought relief from the food scarcity to 2,000 families throughout the district.

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Engaging with Youth for Social Transformation

The aspiration to build a self-sustained nation, one characterized by both prosperity and equality, particularly within the context of a country’s socio-economy standards, rests firmly on the shoulders of its youth.

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 India, with over 50% of its population below the age of 25 and more than 65% below the age of 35, boasts a youthful demographic that has consistently demonstrated its capacity to seize every opportunity on the path to becoming champions and catalysts for the comprehensive development of society. Moreover, the importance of involving, empowering, and ensuring the well-being of young people is underscored by the fact that over one-third of the 169 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets specifically address their role and contributions.

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Fostering Life Skills for Empowered Youth

Under its new strategic plan, CYSD has taken on the crucial task of economically empowering resource-poor youth. This involves equipping them with valuable skills, both through initial training and ongoing development, as also re skilling them and recognizing their learning to enhance their employability.

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This initiative aligns with the overarching goal of fortifying social protection mechanisms for vulnerable groups, including unemployed resource-poor youth, rag pickers, safai karmacharis (sanitation workers), domestic workers, street vendors, and daily wage labourers. Fostering Life Skills for Empowered Youth Under its new strategic plan, CYSD has taken on the crucial task of economically empowering resource-poor youth. This involves equipping them with valuable skills, both through initial training and ongoing development, as also re skilling them and recognizing their learning to enhance their employability. This initiative aligns with the overarching goal of fortifying social protection mechanisms for vulnerable groups, including unemployed resource-poor youth, rag pickers, safai karmacharis (sanitation workers), Domestic Workers, Street Vendors and Daily wage labourors.

In addition to integrating agricultural skills into various livelihood programs, CYSD has introduced a program known as DAKSHYATA centred on life skills. The objective of DAKSHYATA is to catalyse transformation among young boys and girls living in the slums of Bhubaneswar, opening doors to new opportunities and providing them with meaningful engagement. This programme has been instrumental in nurturing a workforce comprising 456 young individuals, converting the under-productive slum youth into active contributors to society. They now play a pivotal role in bolstering their family’s economic well being, fostering a life of dignity and quality.

In partnership with the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board, CYSD has empowered 42 tribal. Women from the Saharapada Block in Keonjhar district, helping them become proficient “barefoot Apiarists” known as Madhu Saathinis. These tribal women have gained expertise in the intricate art and science of collecting and processing honeybee colonies of specific species. They have learned to house these colonies in designated and standardized boxes, positioning them at suitable sites, and effectively managing colonies throughout the year. These women Apiarists have received training in operating their enterprises and have been provided with essential apiculture equipment.

Today, beekeeping has emerged as a significant and sustainable livelihood opportunity for numerous women farmers, including the 42 individuals who received training. They have demonstrated their remarkable ability to achieve financial independence and be recognized as successful cultivators in their own right.

In the current cycle, Project DAKSHYATA has trained 446 slum youth, including 322 girls and 124 boys, hailing from resource-poor backgrounds like Ashmita’s. It has connected them with income-generating opportunities, making them financially independent with visible improvements in their lives and livelihoods. The project introduced a community-based learning centre as an innovation to encourage more girls to engage in skill development and contribute to the country’s mission.

Another opportunity emerged through skilling young people as agri-entrepreneurs under the National Scheme for Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centre (AC&ABC). Through this programme agri-allied professionals, including young women like Rohini, were trained at CYSD, State’s only Nodal Training Centre. Rohini, who became the first woman in the state to receive the National Agri-preneur award, was among the 116 agri-allied professionals who now provides support to over 30,000 farmers across the state. The programme, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, MANAGE and NABARD has created significant opportunities for hundreds of young people in the state, certifying them as agri-allied enterprise owners with tangible financial linkages and subsidies.

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Dakshyata Opens up new opportunities for Slum Resource Poor Girls

Only a few have the courage to pursue their dreams, while most find their path thrust upon them. With skill and entrepreneurship development at the forefront of the nation’s agenda, young women from the slums of Bhuaneshwar dared to challenge gender stereotypes. They acquired skills and now, in a post-Covid-19 world, they single-handedly support their families.

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For example, Ashmita, 19, begins her day by setting up her headphones and customer database before starting her job at the HDFC Bank Call Centre at 9.00 am, where she works until 6 pm, earning a monthly salary of Rs 15,000. Just a year ago, she was a dropout with a dream of securing a decent job to improve her family’s standard of living. Her father, a carpenter, was her inspiration, but despite his tireless efforts, he could not earn enough.

Until six months ago, Ashmita had no idea about her future options. “All I knew was that I wanted to achieve something. I didn’t want a life confined to my home, being a burden to my father or getting married,” she explains. Living in a Bhubaneswar slum, her circumstances mirrored those of thousands of girls and young women across the city’s slums. Social norms constrained them, and the lack of opportunities to acquire skills made it impossible for them to find decent employment and financial independence.

Through the Project DAKSHYATA, meaning ‘skilled’, CYSD is transforming girls like Ashmita by opening up new opportunities and avenues for decent employment. By altering attitudes towards girls in the slums and equipping young women with job skills, the programme is helping hundreds of unemployed youth residing in slums secure decent work in retail and customer care units, breaking free from poverty.

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Nurturing Young Gopabandhu Fellows

The Gopabandhu Fellowship Programme, an innovative youth development initiative by CYSD, aims to engage young individuals from various backgrounds and career interests in addressing the development challenges faced by the poorest communities in Odisha.

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This program is designed to offer a unique opportunity for young minds to work directly with rural communities, gain empathy for their struggles, and connect with their aspirations. It serves as a learning platform for young talents embarking on a nine-month journey to rediscover their leadership potential.

To instil empathy in young educated minds, the inaugural Gopabandhu Fellowship Program achieved success this year. After a rigorous selection process involving a leadership camp, 10 students were chosen from a pool of 35 shortlisted candidates to become Gopabandhu Fellows. The program included community immersion experiences, learning sessions, and innovative leadership training, all aimed at enhancing their skills and competencies. Each fellow was paired with a mentor, and a personalized program was designed to help them discover their inner strengths and abilities. At the graduation ceremony held on CYSD’s 41st Foundation Day, six of the ten fellows who completed the program were honoured with a Fellowship Completion Certificate.

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Involving the Youth in Climate Conscious Public Policy and Budgeting

The youth should be viewed not just as victims but primarily as solution providers in the context of climate change. They need to take proactive and meaningful actions to address climate change issues.

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To enable their informed participation, it is crucial that they possess a comprehensive understanding of climate change challenges, associated issues, relevant institutions, schemes, and programmes aimed at tackling these challenges. Additionally, they must actively engage as responsible citizens to raise awareness and advocate for the adoption of better climate resilient practices within the state.

Given the context outlined above, CYSD conducted a workshop that brought together 120 enthusiastic young individuals from various regions of the state. The objective was to identify opportunities for them to contribute to Risk Resilience and Climate Change initiatives. The discussions with these young participants revolved around several key points: i) their perceptions regarding the causes and impact of climate change; ii) the information and awareness they require to actively engage as citizens in climate-resilient development; iii) their ideas for enhancing the climate sensitivity of local-level institutions; iv) strategies related to Agriculture, Health, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) that could be adopted to make these services more climate-sensitive; and v) exploring ways to increase youth involvement in climate action.

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Youth Engagement in Nation Building: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities - Eastern Region Youth Dialogue

CYSD and IGSSS (Indo Global Social Service Society) collaboratively organized a two-day workshop at CYSD on February 27th and 28th, 2023. The consultation served as a platform for learning, sharing and disseminating best practices, successful strategies and innovative experiments spearheaded by youth-led organizations nationwide. Organizations from West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh actively participated in the workshop.

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The workshop aimed to achieve several key objectives that are as follows: i) gain insights into the diverse approaches and models of youth development in India; ii) learn from the best practices exemplified by successful youth development models; iii) identify the primary challenges and opportunities associated with empowering youth in the current context; and iv) explore different avenues for harnessing the potential of youth as a valuable resource for civic engagement. In addition to IGSSS and CYSD, several other prominent organizations such as Patang, Pantiss Foundation, Swati, Prajak, BDKS, and Leads actively participated in the workshop, making valuable contributions to the discussions and processes.

The workshop saw the active participation of approximately 100 young students hailing from universities such as Utkal University and Ravenshaw University. Additionally, members from various youth-led organizations like Satvik Soul Foundation, NYP, and Antaranga joined the event. The enthusiastic engagement of these young individuals added vibrancy and depth to the workshop, enriching the overall experience.

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Commemoration of National Youth Day (NYD)

National Youth Day, also known as Swami Vivekananda Jayanti (Birthday), is celebrated nationwide every 12th of January.

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This year, CYSD, in collaboration with like-minded CSOs, commemorated this occasion at the CYSD-DRTC campus to pay tribute to Swami Vivekananda. The event aimed to inspire young leaders from organizations like NSS, Red Cross Society, St. Johns Ambulance, Bharat Scouts and Guides, as well as student volunteers from colleges and universities. It encouraged them to pledge their dedication to the betterment of the nation and the cultivation of strong character.

The theme for National Youth Day 2023 was “Shanti–Sanghati–Seva.” Nearly 200 youth leaders from various parts of the state participated in the event, where they not only shared their experiences but also learned from one another. A dynamic group of youth leaders officially joined and committed to providing voluntary services for societal causes through CYSD and other partner CSOs.

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Observance of International Volunteer Day (IVD)

On December 5th, as designated by the UN, CYSD celebrates International Volunteer Day (IVD) every year. The day serves as an opportunity to promote the spirit of volunteerism, especially among students and youth, encouraging their commitment to the cause of “volunteering for sustainable development goals” (SDGs).

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In collaboration with UNDP/UNV and 11 likeminded CSOs, CYSD organised IVD-2022 under the theme “Solidarity through Volunteerism”. This year’s celebration was dedicated to Late Dr. S.N. Subba Rao, affectionately known as Bhai Jee, a devoted Gandhian, Sarvodaya leader and lifelong volunteer.

The event drew approximately 175 selected youth and student volunteers from various colleges and universities. They were motivated to engage in volunteer work addressing social issues. Some volunteers, recognized by partner organizations for their exceptional community contributions across different sectors, were honoured to inspire and nurture their commitment to volunteerism. Interested volunteers registered their names and chose to work in specific thematic areas, either with CYSD or other CSOs.

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