At Tribal Salvation Society, we are committed to empowering some of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in Odisha. Our primary focus is on the KBK districts—Kalahandi, Bolangir, and Koraput—regions that are synonymous with chronic poverty and socio-economic hardships. Additionally, we extend our efforts to other underserved districts, addressing the pressing issues faced by tribal communities, Dalits, and rural minorities.

The KBK Districts: A Legacy of Poverty and Marginalization

The KBK region, comprising Kalahandi, Bolangir, and Koraput, is one of the poorest regions in India. It is home to over 5 million people, predominantly tribal and rural communities, who have been left behind in the state’s development efforts. The socio-economic situation here is alarming:

• High Poverty Rates: The KBK districts have one of the highest poverty rates in India, with an estimated 72% of the population living below the poverty line. Many families survive on less than $1 a day, grappling with hunger and basic survival.
• Widespread Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a serious issue, particularly among children and women. The region’s dependence on subsistence farming and lack of access to nutritious food has resulted in high rates of stunted growth and infant mortality.
• Educational Deficits: Education remains a significant challenge, with the literacy rate in some areas as low as 50%. Female literacy is particularly low, and many children are forced to leave school to work and support their families.
• Inadequate Healthcare: Access to healthcare in the KBK districts is severely limited. Many villages lack even basic health facilities, leading to high maternal and infant mortality rates. Preventable diseases like malaria and tuberculosis remain prevalent, and malnutrition exacerbates health vulnerabilities.
• Shifting Cultivation and Landlessness: Much of the tribal population relies on shifting cultivation, a practice that is environmentally destructive and unsustainable. The lack of land ownership and poor agricultural infrastructure compounds their economic vulnerability, leaving many without secure livelihoods.

Our Work in the KBK Districts

At Tribal Salvation Society, we are addressing these deep-rooted issues through holistic, community-driven development programs:

• Empowering Women:

At the heart of our mission is the belief that empowered women uplift entire communities. The Tribal Salvation Society works tirelessly to equip women in tribal and marginalized areas with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to take control of their futures. Through skill development workshops in vocational training, financial literacy, and leadership, women are given the tools to achieve economic independence. Our gender sensitization programs challenge harmful norms, fostering a culture of equality and respect. Additionally, our Widow’s Care initiative provides essential economic, emotional, and legal support to help widows rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. 

• Transforming the Lives of Children

Every child deserves a chance to thrive, and our Children’s Development Ministry ensures that even the most vulnerable children receive the care, education, and emotional support they need. Through our orphan support program, children find not only a safe haven but also access to quality education and holistic development opportunities. For girls, we combine education and sports to nurture their potential, empowering them to rise above societal limitations. We also run day-care centers to transition child laborers back into school, and our commitment to quality education is reflected in our life-changing English medium schools. 

• Building a Brighter Future for Youth

Our Youth Development Ministry is committed to equipping young people from tribal and marginalized communities with the skills and confidence needed to build brighter futures. By offering training in IT, vocational trades, and leadership, we help youth unlock their potential for employment or entrepreneurship. Sports are another key element, used as a tool to break down barriers of discrimination and foster inclusivity, teamwork, and social cohesion. With these opportunities, young people are empowered to be changemakers within their communities. 

• Advocating for Human Rights and Harmony

We stand firm in our commitment to safeguarding the rights of minority communities. Through legal aid, workshops on freedom of expression, and campaigns that promote social inclusion, the Tribal Salvation Society fosters a culture of respect, tolerance, and harmony. Our work ensures that minority voices are heard and protected, and that communities come together to build a peaceful and just society. 

• Supporting Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is key to improving the livelihoods of tribal farmers. We offer training in modern farming practices, introduce new crop varieties, and help farmers gain access to markets. By boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security, we empower communities to thrive economically while preserving the environment for future generations. 

• Improving Community Health

Our commitment to community health drives us to address critical health challenges in tribal regions. Through our Malaria and Typhoid Health Project, we provide education on disease prevention and offer health camps in high-risk areas. Our HIV/AIDS awareness programs help break the stigma surrounding the disease and provide essential knowledge, prevention strategies, and support for affected individuals. Together, we are building healthier, more resilient communities. 

Your support enables us to continue making a difference in the lives of women, children, youth, and entire communities. Together, we can create lasting change.

Beyond KBK: Reaching Other Vulnerable Districts in Odisha

In addition to the KBK region, we work in other districts across Odisha that face similar socio-economic challenges. These areas are home to significant tribal populations and marginalized communities, where poverty, illiteracy, and poor infrastructure hinder development.

Key Districts Where We Operate

Here is a refined version for clarity and flow:

• Kandhamal: Known for its significant tribal population, Kandhamal has faced socio-religious tensions and chronic underdevelopment. Our programs here prioritize education, human rights advocacy, minority rights protection, legal aid support, peace-building, community cohesion, healthcare, and promoting sustainable livelihoods among the tribal and minority communities.
• Gajapati: Gajapati also grapples with developmental challenges. Our efforts in this district are focused on improving access to education, building local capacities, and promoting sustainable agriculture, empowering rural and tribal populations to break the cycle of poverty.

Our Broader Impact Across Odisha

In every district where we work, Tribal Salvation Society strives to create lasting, positive change through integrated programs that address the root causes of poverty and inequality:

• Human Rights Advocacy: We work tirelessly to ensure that tribal and minority communities have access to justice. Our advocacy programs empower these communities to fight discrimination and assert their legal rights.

• Sustainable Development: From promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices to implementing water conservation and reforestation programs, we are committed to protecting the environment while improving the livelihoods of the people we serve.

• Community Harmony: We believe in fostering unity and peace among diverse communities. By encouraging dialogue and mutual respect, we work to build strong, cohesive societies where people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds can thrive together.

Join Us in Building a Brighter Future

The challenges faced by the communities in Odisha’s KBK districts and beyond are immense, but with your support, we can make a lasting impact. Together, we can empower these communities to rise out of poverty, secure access to essential services, and build a brighter, more hopeful future.

Partner with Us: Whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, your support can help us continue our mission to uplift and transform the most vulnerable communities in Odisha.

Together, we can create a future filled with hope, dignity, and opportunity for the people of Odisha. 

For more information on how you can contribute or get involved, please contact us.