Kandhamala Zilla Sabuja Vaidya Sangathan

Recognizing the significance of menstrual health in women's overall well-being, KZSVS, in collaboration with Goonj-NJPC, has championed efforts in this domain. This partnership is instrumental in raising awareness about menstrual issues and ensuring access to hygienic menstrual products for women and adolescent girls. By normalizing discussions surrounding menstrual health, promoting proper hygiene practices, and distributing essential supplies, this initiative contributes to women's health and empowerment, as well as destigmatizing a topic often shrouded in silence

KZSVS's collaboration with Goonj extends to innovative livelihood enhancement programs such as Goonj Cloth For Work. This initiative introduces a unique concept where cloth is exchanged for essential goods and services. This not only promotes sustainable resource utilization but also empowers individuals economically. By engaging in this exchange, individuals contribute to community development while addressing their own needs, fostering a sense of self-reliance and collective growth.

Mission Education, supported by the Smile Foundation, has been successfully implemented by the Kandhamal Zilla Sabuja Vaidya Sangathan in the Daringbadi Block of Kandhamal District. The programme operates in three centers located in Saringirpi Village, Marenji Village, and Padami Village. The objective of the Remedial Education Programme is to provide educational support and opportunities for underprivileged children in the region. This annual report highlights the activities and achievements of the programme during the past year.

The following report presents an overview of the activities and achievements of the Pre-School Nutrition and Education & Rahat Support program implemented by Kandhamal Zilla Sabuja Vaidya Sangathan, in collaboration with the Jivdaya Foundation (JDF). The program aims to address malnutrition among village children and provide educational support to enhance their overall development. Four centers were established in Breakamala Village, Dabedi Village, Alimaha Village, and Tembuli Village, benefiting a total of 200 students. The centers operate from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and are managed by the local community. The program focuses on teaching, providing milk and biscuits, as well as supplying dresses and shoes to the children attending the centers.

The synergy between KZSVS and Goonj has been particularly noteworthy in the establishment of over 120 watershed projects. These projects, strategically distributed across Daringbadi and Kotogada Blocks, encapsulate more than 120 villages. One of the remarkable aspects of this initiative is the absence of monetary investment, which underscores the resourcefulness and sustainable nature of the project. By harnessing local resources and expertise, these watershed projects contribute to water conservation, soil health, and agricultural sustainability, ultimately fortifying the resilience of these communities

Kandhamal Zilla Sabuja Vaidya Sangathan (KZSVS) has embarked on a transformative journey in collaboration with Goonj, a renowned organization with a focus on community-driven development initiatives. With a comprehensive approach, KZSVS and Goonj are addressing critical issues in Kandhamal District, Odisha. This partnership extends to a range of activities, including the establishment of essential village infrastructure, menstrual health awareness through the Goonj-NJPC partnership, and innovative livelihood enhancement programs like Goonj Cloth For Work and Goonj Dignity For Work

A hallmark achievement of this partnership is the substantial progress made in improving rural accessibility. KZSVS, in collaboration with Goonj, has undertaken the ambitious task of constructing more than 350 kilometers of roads within the rural expanse of Kandhamal District. This initiative has succeeded in significantly narrowing the gap between villagers and essential services by fostering enhanced connectivity. The creation of reliable road infrastructure not only facilitates easier travel but also uplifts the overall living standards of these communities

Kandhamal Zilla Sabuja Vaidya Sangathan (KZSVS) is committed to fostering sustainable livelihoods for socio-economically marginalized families in the region. Through a range of skill development and income-generation initiatives, the organization aims to empower communities, break the cycle of poverty, and ensure economic self-sufficiency.

**Water for Livelihood and Promoting Organic Farming in Tribal Areas:**
One of KZSVS's notable projects focuses on providing access to clean water for sustainable livelihoods and promoting organic farming practices in tribal areas. This multifaceted endeavor addresses the pressing issue of water scarcity while encouraging environmentally friendly agricultural methods. By empowering tribal communities with these practices, the project seeks to enhance their socio-economic well-being and ensure the long-term sustainability of the environment. This holistic approach not only uplifts communities but also safeguards the ecosystem they depend on.

Recognizing the existing disparities in the agricultural sector, KZSVS has taken proactive steps to bridge these gaps. This includes providing comprehensive support through diverse agricultural interventions. From provisioning essential agricultural equipment to fostering Banana and Coconut Plantations, cultivating a variety of vegetables, and promoting innovative practices like Poultry Farming, Gotary Farming, and Fish Farming, KZSVS is actively transforming the agricultural landscape. Additionally, the organization facilitates the production of Liquid Manure through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These SHGs serve as hubs for impactful initiatives such as Seed Banks, Nano Fish Feed Production Units, Indigenous Checks Production Units, and advocating for the Promotion of Millets. By targeting vulnerable farmers, marginalized communities, and returning migrants, KZSVS ensures that their efforts are directed towards those who need it most, thereby securing sustainable livelihoods.

In strategic collaboration with the Odisha Millet Mission, backed by the Government of Odisha, KZSVS is actively involved in promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets. This initiative aligns with broader agricultural and nutritional goals. Millets, being nutritious and environmentally sustainable crops, hold the potential to significantly impact both food security and rural livelihoods.

Partnering with the Government of Odisha, KZSVS is engaged in a special program that champions integrated farming practices. By encouraging a holistic approach to agriculture, this initiative seeks to enhance productivity, optimize resource utilization, and ultimately improve rural livelihoods. This comprehensive strategy exemplifies KZSVS's commitment to transformative development.

The collaboration with DASRA UK amplifies KZSVS's impact across various developmental dimensions. The support from DASRA UK enhances the organization's reach and effectiveness, enabling it to touch the lives of more beneficiaries and drive positive change in a more expansive manner.

In essence, Kandhamal Zilla Sabuja Vaidya Sangathan's sustainable livelihood activities exemplify its dedication to holistic development. From water access and organic farming to bridging agricultural gaps and promoting integrated farming, these initiatives resonate as pillars of positive change. The organization's partnerships and multifaceted approaches reflect its commitment to improving lives, empowering communities, and fostering long-term well-being in Kandhamal District.

Kandhamal Zilla Sabuja Vaidya Sangathan (KZSVS) has undertaken a transformative Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program, further bolstered by support from the Roddenberry Foundation. This collaborative effort has yielded impactful results over the past year, particularly in mobilizing tribal communities and promoting better menstrual hygiene practices.

In partnership with the Roddenberry Foundation, KZSVS has launched awareness campaigns centered around sanitary napkins and menstrual hygiene. These campaigns are instrumental in improving the health and well-being of women within these communities. The influence of this effort has been significant, especially among adolescent girls, women, and children who have embraced improved hygiene practices, contributing to their overall quality of life.

KZSVS has been actively distributing essential hygiene items, including My Pads, Sarees, Darhis, Soaps, Toothpaste, Brushes, and Nail Cutters, to women below 45 years of age and adolescent girls. Through the Not Just a Piece of Cloth (NJPC) project, this initiative has instilled better hygiene habits among recipients. In a continuous effort to promote proper menstrual hygiene, KZSVS engages in personal and family counseling. Moreover, the organization conducts awareness and sensitization meetings, often in the presence of front-line workers, facilitating knowledge dissemination and encouraging regular handwashing practices. Over the course of four years, KZSVS's proactive approach has yielded remarkable results in linking 3,500 Below Poverty Line (BPL) families to the total sanitation program initiated by state governments. Through these efforts, low-cost toilets have been established, fostering healthier living conditions for the beneficiaries.

The WASH program led by KZSVS

Implemented by Kandhamal Zilla Sabuja Vaidya Sangathan, the collaboration with Vitamin Angels has brought forth impactful initiatives in the realm of nutrition enhancement. Through a Community-Led Action on Nutrition, Vitamin Angels is playing a pivotal role in distributing Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) and Multivitamins while raising awareness about their significance. This partnership serves as a catalyst in promoting improved nutrition within the community.
Specifically, Vitamin Angels' support extends to VAS and Deworming interventions, benefiting more than 10,000 children residing in hard-to-reach rural areas. By addressing nutritional deficiencies and parasitic infections, this intervention contributes to the overall well-being and health of these children.

In addition to these interventions, the collaboration focuses on Community-Led Action in three villages. This approach empowers the local community to take charge of their nutrition and well-being. Moreover, the initiative