Sikshasandhan

Since 1995, Sikshasandhan has championed the Right to Education for marginalized children, especially those from tribal communities. Initially a resource centre, it later established Alternative Education Centres, emphasizing child-friendly curricula in native languages and advocating policy changes. Shifting focus in 2009 to the universalization of education, it partnered with Government schools in remote tribal areas, ensuring the implementation of the RtE Act and advocating policy changes. It provided a second chance at education for over 600 tribal girls, offering specialized training and enabling their enrollment in Government schools. Moreover, its science education programme equipped 250 schools with hands-on science kits, conducting engaging activities and teacher training to foster scientific understanding among students, notably benefiting tribal and marginalized communities with support from Tata Trusts and TCS Foundation.

Sikshasandhan prioritizes adolescent girls, addressing their issues through a protective approach while empowering them as community catalysts for change. Its initiatives encompass campaigns targeting gender-specific challenges in schools, and combating issues like child marriage, labour, nutrition, reproductive health, and trafficking. The efforts, prominently supported by Child Relief and You (CRY), focus on nurturing girls' capacities and advocating for their well-being within their communities.

Sikshasandhan, in partnership with Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI), initiated the Pada Pusti program to address malnutrition among women and children in Muniguda block, Rayagada district. This targeted effort aimed to deliver nutrition services in remote areas lacking access to Anganwadis or situated far from main centres. Successful in notably reducing malnutrition, the programme garnered appreciation from the Odisha Government, which expressed interest in replicating this model in comparable circumstances, acknowledging its effectiveness in combating malnutrition in such communities.

Recognizing the crucial need for sustainable livelihoods within tribal communities, Sikshasandhan has prioritized this facet post-COVID-19, understanding that lasting transformation hinges on improving livelihoods. Partnering with the Lodha community, it has centred its efforts on both farm and off-farm activities. Skill development forms a key part, particularly in training women in tailoring, sewing, and Sabai craft, emphasizing capacity-building in Sabai craft production. Support extends to marketing their products, with plans to establish a producer company for their management. Additionally, youth engagement involves offering training in light motor vehicle driving, fostering skill enhancement and economic prospects among interested individuals.

Sikshasandhan emphasizes skill development by training women in tailoring and sewing and providing sewing machines for their use. Additionally, it has identified interested youth and provided training in driving skills. Presently, its primary focus is enhancing women's capacities in Sabai craft. It assists women in marketing their crafted products and plans to establish a producer company for their management and operation in the future.