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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

1200

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Beneficiary

700000

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Stake holders

65000

Promoting Equality Through Sports!

⚽🏆 Promoting Equality Through Sports!
The Two Feet Ahead Together (TFAT) Project of YCDA successfully organized a Mixed Gender Football Match, bringing together boys and girls on the same field to play, learn, and grow together.
The initiative aims to encourage sports participation among young people, helping them stay physically fit, mentally active, and socially connected. By promoting teamwork, confidence, leadership, and mutual respect, the event created an inclusive platform where every child had the opportunity to shine.
This effort aligns with the Government of India’s vision of promoting sports among youth through initiatives such as Khelo India, which emphasizes fitness, talent development, and equal opportunities for all. Through sports, we are nurturing a generation of healthy, confident, and resilient young leaders.
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06 Aug 2026

Strengthening Community Mental Health Support

Family Support Group (FSG) members under YCDA’s Community Mental Health and Development Project, Khaprakhol, participated in an exposure visit to the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), DSSO, and Medical College, Balangir.
The visit helped members gain practical knowledge on mental health services, rehabilitation support, disability certification, and government welfare schemes for Persons with Mental Illness (PWMI).
By enhancing their understanding and capacity, FSG members are now better equipped to support individuals and families and promote mental well-being within their communities.
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05 Aug 2026

🌾✨ Celebrating Our Agricultural Heritage, Promoting Sustainable Futures ✨🌾

YCDA was delighted to participate in the Training Programme for Community Resource Persons under the National Mission on Natural Farming held at RITES, Balangir.
The programme brought together distinguished officials, scientists, and practitioners committed to advancing sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. We were honored by the presence of the Chief District Agriculture Officer (CDAO), Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Scheme Officer, scientists from KVK, and the Principal of RITES, whose insights enriched the learning experience for all participants.
A proud moment for YCDA came during the concluding session when the District Collector, Balangir, visited the exhibition of the Forgotten Food Germplasm Collection developed under the Revival Forgotten Food Programme. The display showcased a rich diversity of indigenous seeds and traditional food crops that have nourished communities for generations but are gradually disappearing from our fields and plates.
The Collector appreciated the efforts being made to document, conserve, and revive these valuable food resources, which play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, nutrition security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
At YCDA, we believe that preserving forgotten foods is not only about protecting our agricultural heritage but also about building healthier, more resilient communities for the future.
Together, let us celebrate and revive the wisdom of traditional food systems for a sustainable tomorrow. 🌱🌾
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04 Aug 2026

🐄🐐 Animal Health Camp Conducted in Buragora Village under THRIVE Project

Today, YCDA organized an Animal Health Camp in Buragora Village under the THRIVE Project to promote livestock health and strengthen rural livelihoods.
The camp provided veterinary consultation, health check-ups, disease prevention guidance, and awareness on proper animal care practices. Livestock owners actively participated and received valuable support to improve the health and productivity of their animals.
Healthy livestock contribute to stronger livelihoods and resilient communities. YCDA remains committed to supporting farming families through sustainable and community-centered initiatives
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20 Jan 2026

🌾 Belpada Shree Anna Abhiyan Highlights 🌾

Finger millet transplanting and little millet sowing activities are in full swing across different villages of Belpada Block under the Shree Anna Abhiyan, with active support from YCDA.
Farmers are enthusiastically participating in the revival of traditional millet cultivation, contributing to climate-resilient agriculture, improved nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods. Through continuous field-level guidance and community mobilization, YCDA is working alongside farming communities to promote the cultivation of Shree Anna (millets) and strengthen local food systems.
Together, we are nurturing healthier communities, resilient farms, and a sustainable future.
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29 Jul 2026

🌾 Strengthening Farmers’ Income through APC Interventions 🌾

As part of the Agriculture Production Cluster (APC) initiative, the YCDA APC team in Loisingha Block conducted field visits and review meetings with Producer Groups to promote improved agricultural practices and strengthen farmer livelihoods.
The team provided technical guidance on vegetable cultivation, natural farming practices, crop management, and market-oriented production systems. Discussions also focused on strengthening Producer Groups, enhancing farmer participation, improving record management, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to higher productivity and increased farm income.
The visit reflects the collective efforts of APC to build resilient farming systems, empower small and marginal farmers, and support the vision of sustainable agriculture and enhanced rural prosperity.
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23 Jul 2026
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Recent News

Stay updated with the latest developments, achievements, events, and community initiatives of the Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA). This section highlights recent activities, success stories, project updates, partnerships, campaigns, and milestones from across our program areas. Through these updates, we share how YCDA is working with children, youth, families, communities, and stakeholders to promote education, child protection, livelihoods, resilience, and sustainable development across Odisha.

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Check for latest updates
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Upcoming Event
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Youth Leadership Camp – 2026
29/05/2026 - 31/03/2026
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA) is pleased to announce the Youth Leadership Camp – 2026 under the Two Feet Ahead Together (TFAT) initiative, to be held on 29th, 30th, and 31st May 2026.
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World Menstrual Hygiene Day
28/05/2026 - 28/05/2026
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
On the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA) will organize a special awareness and engagement event on 28th May 2026 to promote dignity, health, and awareness around menstrual hygiene.
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World Environment Day
05/06/2026 - 05/06/2026
8:00 am - 10:00 am
The Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA) will celebrate World Environment Day on 5th June 2026 across its operational areas to promote environmental awareness, community action, and collective responsibility for protecting nature.
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International Day of Yoga – 2026
21/06/2026 - 21/06/2026
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The Youth Council for Development Alternatives (YCDA) will celebrate the International Day of Yoga 2026 across its operational areas to promote health, well-being, mindfulness, and the importance of balanced living among children, youth, and communities.
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Endorsements

What People Are Saying About Us
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Pooja Haripal

Teacher
My name is Pooja Haripal, and I am deeply grateful to YCDA for their constant support, which helped me reach my current position as a teacher. I lost both my father and mother at a very early age, but through the Alternative Forms of Child Care project, YCDA stood by me during the most difficult phase of my life. With their guidance and care, I was able to continue my education, become a teacher, and lead my life with confidence and dignity today
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Likun Mallik

Peer Champion, TFAT
My name is Likun. I was initially a very shy child, but with the support of YCDA through the Two Feet Ahead Together project, I gained opportunities to participate regularly in various trainings and meetings. These experiences significantly strengthened my confidence and resilience. Today, I serve as a Peer Champion, where I support and guide other children and actively contribute to decision-making processes that are in the best interest of children. I am sincerely grateful to YCDA for their guidance and continued support
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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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