Youth & Opportunities
Equipping young people to learn, earn, and lead
In rural Odisha, young people are growing up with greater access to education, information, and opportunity than previous generations. Yet pathways from learning to meaningful work, leadership, and civic participation remain uneven, particularly in remote communities.
Schools continue to shape educational outcomes, but many young people also need opportunities to build confidence, develop practical skills, and engage with the challenges facing their communities. As access to education expands, the question is increasingly how young people can translate learning into livelihoods, leadership, and collective action.
Since establishing the Kerandimal Middle English School in 1982, Gram Vikas has expanded its work with young people through residential schools, village learning groups, and youth leadership initiatives. Today, we support young people to learn, earn, and lead while strengthening the communities they come from.
How We Respond
Working with Gram Vikas Schools
We support students and alumni of Gram Vikas schools, building a community that connects village youth to education, careers, and leadership opportunities.
Strengthening Youth Learning Groups
We run habitation-level learning groups where young people receive academic support, mentorship, and opportunities to learn together.
Mobilising Youth for Community Action
We equip rural youth with the skills and confidence to take on local challenges and act collectively.
Building Digital Capabilities
We help young people use digital tools to access information, raise issues, and engage more effectively with institutions.
Creating Pathways to Livelihoods
We support young people to pursue livelihoods through education, entrepreneurship, sports, arts, and other emerging opportunities.
Spotlight
Study finds Gram Vikas schools changed what was possible for Adivasi children
First-generation Adivasi learners from Gram Vikas schools went on to become teachers, government officers, and entrepreneurs, while 85% of women…
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Youth in Action
Gram Vikas school alumna wins Commonwealth Weightlifting gold for India
Jyoshna Sabar, a first-generation Adivasi student credits her school, Gram Vikas Residential High School, Kankia, for nurturing her talent and sparking her passion for weightlifting.
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Odisha’s Phirikinali village achieves 100% sanitation
In Phirikinali, women built toilets and bathrooms for every household, improving sanitation, dignity, and safety.
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How a wooden potty changed child faeces management in Odisha
In Ganjam district, families adopted safer child faeces disposal practices through behaviour change support and simple household tools.
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Partner for Impact
Over 50 national and global donors collaborate with Gram Vikas to strengthen community-led development in rural Odisha. Join us in advancing long-term change. Write to us at ed@gramvikas.org.
Our Priorities
We strengthen people’s capabilities to act on six priorities for rural resilience.
Climate Resilience
Restoring water, land, and forests to secure the natural foundations of village life.
Enterprises & Markets
Expanding income and enterprise opportunities where people live and work.
Health & Wellbeing
Advancing safe water, sanitation, and nutrition for healthier lives.
Local Governance
Enabling Panchayats and village institutions to act for collective good.
Equity & Inclusion
Ensuring everyone has a stake and a voice in progress.
