Who We Are

CYSD is a non-government, non-profit organisation established in 1982. CYSD works for the development of deprived and marginalised people in the remotest areas of Orissa, one of the most backward states in India.

CYSD's approach focuses on Primary Education, Sustainable Livelihood and Participatory Governance. However, it also addresses issues such as disaster management, health and sanitation, child rights, HIV/AIDS prevention and drug addiction rehabilitation, and focuses particularly on women in all areas.

By working directly with communities to improve quality of life; sharing skills with partner organisations; and carrying out research and lobbying to influence policy change, CYSD's approach is uniquely holistic.

CYSD began by providing training to development organisations and civil society groups. The Development Resource and Training Centre (DRTC) evolved to support this function. Although the organisation has developed considerably since it's inception, training and capacity building remains a focal part of its approach. In fact, three District Resource Centres (DRCs) and four Rural Livelihood Training Centres (RLTCs) were recently set up in rural areas of Orissa in order to further extend the reach of CYSD's training.

Since 1997, CYSD has conducted and published extensive research studies into a variety of issues concerning poor and tribal people in Orissa, to influence the public and policy makers to initiate change.

CYSD's disaster response programme began in 1999 when the super cyclone devastating the coastal districts of Orissa. Since then CYSD has been closely involved in relief and rehabilitation work during the floods in Orissa in 2001, 2003 and 2006, and in Tamil Nadu following the Tsunami.

CYSD is an active member of VANI (Voluntary Action Network India) and the Credibility Alliance, with a view to enhancing good governance in the voluntary sector.

VISION

A society where communities are able to:

• Make their own choices
• Meet their survival needs and aspirations
• Lead a self-reliant and sustainable life with dignity

MISSION

CYSD works in three mutually reinforcing and complementary thematic areas : Primary Education, Sustainable Livelihood and Participatory Governance, with supporting themes of disaster management, health and sanitation, child rights, HIV/AIDS prevention and drug addiction rehabilitation, and focuses particularly on women in all areas.

• In poor and remote areas of Orissa, action projects work in participation with communities. The communities own the process of development and they contribute with their resources, labour and commitment.

• Training and capacity building is undertaken at all levels from community to state level, to share what has been learnt from working with communities with a far wider audience. The four Rural Livelihood Training Centres in our project areas demonstrate new farming techniques directly to farmers from both inside and outside the project communities, and to other organisations for wider replication. The three District Resource Centres conduct extensive training, capacity building and networking initiatives across all three themes with Panchayati Raj Institutions, community groups, partner organisations and government functionaries. The Development Resource and Training Centre operates at state level to run workshops and studies with partner organisations, government departments and civil society organisations.

• Research and advocacy initiatives are undertaken on issues identified at community, state and national level for initiating pro-poor policies and schemes. The aim of the research and advocacy is to ensure that people are fully aware of their rights, and that what is promised is delivered on the ground.