Star School

Livelihood Enhancement

Skill and EnterprenerushipDevelopment

Community Mental Health Wellness

Family Focused Village Development Program FFVDP

Children.. Families.. Communities..

Education and Child Protection of Children

Education is not preparation for Life, Education is Life itself

Every child deserves a loving and caring Family

All Children are Unique

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

Creating awarness among the youths

Climate ChangeAdaption

Climate resilient agricultural practices

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Who We Are

The Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) established in 1993 with the mission to create sustainable improvements in the socio-economic conditions of disadvantaged and marginalized communities. Led by a team of experienced and trained social workers in various fields, YCDA focuses on key program areas, including Education and Child Protection, Youth Development and Livelihood Promotion. The organization’s headquarters is located in Baunsuni village, Boudh district, Odisha, where all activities are managed. To ensure effective program implementation, cluster and project offices have been established at the field level. YCDA collaborates with like-minded organizations, foundations, corporate bodies, and various government departments to fulfil its mission.

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Thematic Area
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Family Based Care

Family-Based Alternative Care (FBAC) is a child-centered approach designed to provide care and protection to children who cannot live with their biological parents.
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Building Resilience Among Children

Building resilience among children is essential for helping them navigate challenges and thrive in their personal and social environments.
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Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

YCDA has been actively engaged in SRHR interventions since its inception, looking into the need.
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STAR School Programme

Education serves as a sustainable pathway to alleviating poverty, not only for individuals but also for communities and entire nations. However, globally, 264 million children are unable to attend school or leave prematurely. YCDA focuses on enhancing the quality and relevance of education in its operational areas by ensuring safe learning environments, well-trained teachers, effective school leadership, and active engagement of parents and communities.
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Climate Change Adaptation

Odisha’s diverse geography, ranging from the arid landscapes of western Odisha to the cyclone-prone coastal regions, makes the state particularly vulnerable to climate change.
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Livelihood Enhancement

The promotion of livelihood at the family level is one of the core interventions of YCDA’s operational villages, focusing on the cultivation of non-paddy crops, offering a sustainable pathway to enhance income and diversify agricultural practices.
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Community Mental Health and Wellness

The Community Mental Health and Wellness Project focuses on creating a supportive environment for mental well-being through targeted interventions.
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Family Focused Village Development Program

The Family-Focused Village Development Program (FFVDP) is a transformative initiative spearheaded by the Linsi Foundation in partnership with NGOs operating in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
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Skill and Entrepreneurship development

The concept of skill development and entrepreneurship revolves around equipping individuals, particularly youth and marginalized groups, with the knowledge, technical skills, and entrepreneurial mindset required to thrive in today's dynamic economy.
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Disaster risk reduction

Odisha, located along India’s eastern coast, is highly vulnerable to disasters such as cyclones, floods, and droughts due to its geographical location and climate conditions.
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Our Reach

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Districts

7

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Blocks

16

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Gram Panchayat

105

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Villages

500

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Beneficiary

200000

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Stake holders

50000

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Impact

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Youth and Adolescent supported

50000

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Families covered

60000

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Children reached

40000

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Farmers covered

20000

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Volunteers

6000

General Health Camp at Birigarh Village!

A General Health Camp was successfully organized at Birigarh Village, Boudh district with the support of the Desai Foundation Trust Project of YCDA. This initiative aimed to provide essential healthcare services to the community, ensuring better health and well-being for all.
👏 A big thank you to our dedicated team and supporters who made this possible! Together, we continue to work towards a healthier future. 💙
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05 Feb 2025

Inauguration of Paper Plate Manufacturing Unit in Jamukhol

We are thrilled to announce the inauguration of the Paper Plate Manufacturing Unit in Jamukhol village, Boudh, under the Family Focused Village Development Program (FFVDP) of YCDA.
This initiative is a significant step towards empowering Self-Help Group (SHG) members, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, and boosting additional family income. Together, we are building stronger, self-reliant communities.
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14 Jan 2025

Children Taking the Lead: YCDA’s Children’s Wallet Initiative

YCDA’s Two Feet Ahead Together project is excited to introduce the Children’s Wallet—a unique initiative designed to empower young minds by giving them the freedom to decide how their money is used to support others in their child clubs. This program encourages active participation and teamwork, as children are tasked with making thoughtful decisions about how to allocate funds for the benefit of their peers. It’s more than just managing money; it’s about teaching valuable skills such as leadership, collaboration, and responsibility. By participating in this initiative, children develop a sense of ownership and become actively involved in the well-being of their communities. The Children’s Wallet fosters a stronger, united community, where young leaders make meaningful contributions to support one another. At YCDA, we believe that empowering children today will shape a brighter, more compassionate tomorrow. The Children’s Wallet is one step toward nurturing the leaders of the future. Join us in supporting these inspiring young leaders as they take charge of their future and lead with empathy, kindness, and empowerment!
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09 Jan 2025

Foster Care - Annual Retreat

YCDA's Foster Care project recently organized an Annual Retreat at the picturesque Gaikhai Dam, Bolangir! This heart warming event brought together children, their foster parents, and key stakeholders for a day filled with joy, fun activities, and cherished moments. The children enjoyed quality time with their foster families and bonded with one another, creating memories to last a lifetime. Parents and stakeholders shared insights and encouragement, fostering a supportive environment for the children to embrace happiness and look forward to a bright future.
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11 Jan 2025

YCDA New Year - General & Executive Council Meeting

At the start of the new year, YCDA organized its General Council and Executive Council meetings to address key organizational matters. These meetings served as an essential platform for members to engage in meaningful discussions on topics pertinent to the sector's ecosystem. The active participation of members resulted in the adoption of significant resolutions that will guide the organization's future direction. In addition to the in-person discussions, project leaders joined virtually to provide updates on their ongoing progress. Their contributions offered valuable insights into the impact of current initiatives and highlighted the strides being made in various projects. YCDA extends sincere gratitude to all members and project leaders for their invaluable contributions and active involvement. Their collective efforts are crucial in driving the organization forward and ensuring continued success in achieving our mission.
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05 Jan 2025

Empowering women farmers

YCDA recently hosted a successful one-day Need-Based Horticultural Workshop at the AHO office in Loisingha, Bolangir, aimed at empowering women farmers. With the participation of 80 women PG farmers, the workshop focused on enhancing skills in horticultural practices, particularly Rabi potato cultivation. A highlight of the event was the special recognition of Smt. Reenarani Singh, a dedicated PG farmer, who was felicitated by the Horticulture Department for her exceptional efforts in Rabi potato farming. Her commitment and achievements serve as an inspiration for other women farmers, showcasing the potential of sustainable agriculture to drive prosperity. Through initiatives like this workshop, YCDA is fostering growth and empowerment within the farming community, supporting women farmers as they embrace new agricultural practices to build a brighter future for themselves and their families. Together, we are cultivating not just crops, but also empowerment and resilience in the agricultural sector.  
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06 Aug 2020
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Recent News

The Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) established in 1993 with the mission to create sustainable improvements in the socio-economic conditions of disadvantaged and marginalized communities.

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We motivate and teach them to build a sustainable, better lifestyle.
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Upcoming Event
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🌊 Invitation for the Launch of YCDA’s Water Project 🚰
12/02/2025 - 12/02/2025
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The YCDA is pleased to invite you to the launching ceremony of the Water Project, aimed at ensuring better access to clean and safe water for the community.
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YCDA Key Staff Training
23/02/2025 - 25/02/2025
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
We invite all key staff members to actively participate in this training to strengthen our collective efforts and impact. Your presence and engagement will be valuable in making this training a success!
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Learners' Carnival
28/02/2025 - 28/01/2025
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of our learners and witness the success they have accomplished through the project’s intervention. Your presence will make this event even more meaningful!
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🌟 Invitation to the Heroes for Humanity Annual Meeting 🌟
07/02/2025 - 07/02/2025
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Join us in celebrating our collective efforts, discussing key strategies, and strengthening our commitment to creating a better tomorrow. Your presence will make a difference!
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Endorsements

What People Are Saying About Us
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Dr. Mukesh Mahaling

Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, and Electronic and Information Technology

On the occasion of Children's Festival "PATANGI"-2024, I extend heartfelt wishes to all children and commend YCDA's efforts in creating a vibrant platform that celebrates creativity, inspires growth, and brings joy to Puintala's young generation. Jai Hind!

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Ms. Sofieke Louise Vriends

Director, Kinderpostzegels
Dear People of YCDA I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the entire Kinderpostzegels organization for the incredible work YCDA has done to improve the lives of the Children and their communities here in Odisha over the past 25 years’ The Professional quality of the staff involved have shared the passion of every stakeholders involved and the resilience and energy of the children involved in the programmes have made a lasting impression on me. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
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Amy Flynn Eldridge

Love Without Boundaries
The work that YCDA is doing in Odisha is so life-changing. On our visit to your programs, the care and concern for every single child was so apparent. We are so impressed with the wide range of services offered to vulnerable children to ensure each one has the best future possible. YCDA’s foster care is a model which will hopefully inspire others that family care and love is the right of every child. Thank you for everything you do! Many prayers for your continued success.
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Ms. Odilia Van Menon

Programme Manager, Kinderpostzegels

Looking back at 25 years of cooperation with YCDA, We honor your invaluable commitment that has led to i to the improvement of the lives of Communities, Children and most importantly to the enrichment of the lives of thousands of children. No words can express the impact you made by Investing in the improvement of education, participation, and resilience of countless children. We sincerly hope to continue our cooperation in the future for children In Odisha, In India and in the whole world!

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Yati Desai

Regional Director, Desai Foundation Trust
YCDA is a very community-based organization, and its approaches are very nice. Keep growing and doing a good job, serving the lovely community.
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Pranav

Program Manager, Desai Foundation Trust
It is always a pleasure to Visit YCDA, I gain valuable insights. Each time I interact, I see you all doing an excellent job for the community. Keep up the great work.
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