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.
Under the FFVDP Project, Youth and Community Development Association (YCDA) organised an enriching exposure visit for Class 10 students from Tikarpada Gram Panchayat to the Government ITI and Government Nursing College, Boudh.
The visit aimed to broaden students’ career perspectives by offering first-hand exposure to vocational training and nursing education pathways. Through guided interactions with faculty and campus tours, students gained practical insights into course options, eligibility, skill requirements, and future employment opportunities—opening doors beyond traditional classroom learning.
Students actively engaged with institutional representatives, asked questions about admissions and career prospects, and witnessed real-world learning environments. The experience encouraged informed decision-making, boosted confidence, and inspired many to envision diverse and achievable career goals.
YCDA continues to invest in career guidance and exposure-based learning to empower adolescents with knowledge, choices, and aspirations.
✨ Guiding young minds. Creating alternatives. Building futures.
Loisingha, Bolangir:
Under the APC Project in Loisingha, implemented by Youth and Community Development Association (YCDA), the PRADAN team conducted a comprehensive field visit to assess ongoing agricultural practices and strengthen farmer capacities.
The team visited fields cultivating grafted brinjal, potato, tomato, and marigold, closely observing crop conditions and providing crop-specific technical guidance. Interactions with farmers focused on improved crop management practices, pest and disease control, and strategies to enhance productivity. Farmers actively shared their field-level experiences and challenges, enabling need-based, practical advisories to be provided on the spot.
In addition, a Producer Group (PG)-level meeting was organised with members of Mahasangam WPG–Taliudar under the APC Project. The meeting facilitated discussions on PG activities, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and strategic actions to strengthen collective functioning and coordination.
Through regular field engagement and collective dialogue, the APC Project continues to promote resilient farming practices, knowledge sharing, and strong farmer institutions, contributing to sustainable livelihoods in the region.
📍 APC Project, Loisingha, Bolangir
When Children Are Trusted, Transformation Begins
— A Story of Child-Led Change and Community Trust
In a powerful demonstration of child leadership and meaningful participation, the Children’s Wallet Initiative is redefining how communities view children—not just as beneficiaries, but as capable decision-makers and change agents.
In one village, children identified an abandoned, unused building and envisioned a new purpose for it. Through dialogue, collaboration, and collective thinking, they proposed transforming the space into something that reflected their interests and aspirations. With structured guidance, the children prepared a simple budget, planned the renovation, and confidently engaged with community members, building trust and collective support along the way.
What once stood silent and neglected has now been reborn as a Children’s Music Zone—a vibrant space filled with learning, creativity, and joy. Today, children gather here to learn music and dance, express themselves freely, and nurture their talents in a space they helped design and manage.
Beyond music and movement, the initiative has fostered confidence, ownership, responsibility, and leadership among children. The transformation stands as living proof that when children are entrusted with resources and supported with guidance, they create meaningful, sustainable change for themselves and their communities.
The Children’s Wallet Initiative continues to show that trust in children is the foundation of transformation—turning ideas into action and spaces into symbols of empowerment.
🌍 Empowering children. Strengthening communities. Creating lasting change.
National Girl Child Day Celebration: Nurturing Confidence, Equality, and Opportunity
National Girl Child Day was celebrated across all operational areas of the Two Feet Ahead Together Project, reaffirming the collective commitment to the growth, wellbeing, and empowerment of girls.
The celebration echoed a strong message: a girl is not a burden, but a blessing—a dreamer, a learner, and a future leader. When girls are supported to learn, grow, and express themselves freely, families become stronger and communities progress together.
Through community interactions, awareness sessions, and child-focused engagements, the project actively complemented ongoing government efforts to create a supportive and enabling environment for girls. Key focus areas included education, safety, confidence building, life skills, and the promotion of positive social values.
The observance served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change is collective. When communities, institutions, and development initiatives work together, girls are nurtured with care, respect, and opportunity, enabling them to move forward with confidence.
💗 By walking together, we can ensure that every girl steps into the future with hope, dignity, and strength.
Feeding Hopes, Growing Livelihoods
With the generous support of NTPC, the Livelihood Enhancement Project has taken a meaningful step towards strengthening rural livelihoods through the distribution of poultry feed to small and marginal poultry farmers.
This initiative aims to enhance poultry productivity, reduce input constraints, and support farmers in improving their household income. By ensuring timely access to quality feed, the project is enabling families to stabilize their poultry units and move steadily towards economic self-reliance.
For participating farmers, each bag of feed represents more than immediate support—it is an investment in resilience, confidence, and sustainable livelihood growth. The intervention also reinforces community-level efforts to build locally rooted income opportunities from the grassroots.
Through collaborative partnerships and focused livelihood interventions, the project continues to create opportunities, uplift lives, and foster sustainable rural economies—one step, and one family, at a time. 🌱🐔
Our CEO-cum-Secretary, Mr. Rajendra Meher, has been honoured with the prestigious 6th Inderjit Khurana National Award 2025. This recognition celebrates his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and lifelong commitment to empowering communities and transforming lives.
For decades, Mr. Meher has been a driving force in advancing social development and placing children, families, and communities at the centre of meaningful change. This award reflects his consistent efforts, compassionate approach, and mission-driven leadership.
We extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Meher for this remarkable achievement. His accomplishments continue to inspire every member of the YCDA team to:
Dream bigger
Innovate boldly
Work harder for a better and brighter tomorrow
At YCDA, this honour is not just an award — it is a milestone that motivates us to strengthen our efforts in building resilient, inclusive, and empowered communities.
Once again, congratulations, Sir. We are proud to walk alongside you in the collective journey toward positive social change.
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.
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!
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!
