26th August 2011

Launch of Samadhan Citizen’s Action for Governance by Shri Naveen Pattnaik

26th August 2011 - We all know that many nationalized and state schemes are being provided by the government but due to certain reason these facilities are not properly availed by the citizens in time. Hence to provide an accountability framework to the marginalized and poor people to monitor the various flagship programmes implemented at the panchayat level on one hand and develop a platform at the district level to gather information and strengthen quality of services delivered by the district administration on the other hand .

Koraput has become the first district of the state to integrate technology driven complaint and grievance redressal platform into administration system for efficiency, accountability and transparency for delivery of services to the citizens. The initiative called “SAMADHAN- Citizen’s Action for Governance” was launched by chief minister Shri Naveen Pattnaik on 26th August 2011

Shri Naveen Pattnaik said that Orissa envisions a society having well diversified and prosperous economy by 2020 in which all the citizens have ample opportunity for gainful employment .the state aims to achieve human development indicators that suppress millennium development goals (MDG) reducing poverty and ensuring inter regional and inter personal equity . He also said that Orissa has implemented many livelihood programmes to reduce poverty and efforts are taken to improve the public services and grievance redressal mechanism at various levels right from the state district level. He wished and hoped Samadhan is an initiative to respond to strengthen our current efforts towards citizen’s grievances and concerns in timely and transparent manner. At last he thanked for the integrated effort of UNMC and civil Societies like SOVA and VSO in making this people friendly tools which helps in improving the government service mechanism Global director of UN millennium campaign Corrine woods observed that commitments are fine but the real challenge is delivering of promise in time and the initiative is for better partnership between the citizens and state government. The system will be replicated in other parts of India soon Resident representative of UN Catlin Wiesen praised for unique community monitoring tool PAHELI (People Assessment for Health, Education and Livelihood) by the state government and support from UNDP and other UN agencies is an example for empowering communities through an easy to understand survey of peoples own perception of delivery of critical public services in health education and livelihood. `RTI Commissioner Jagdananda said that as though the schemes are available but due to lack of transparency and no proper accessibility citizens are unable to get the service in time.Transperaency, Accessecibility and responsiveness are required traits while handling public grievances Secretary of South Orissa Voluntary Action (SOVA) Sanjit Pattnaik said that the initiative has been intentionally taken for the state tribal’s to get their privileges in time from the government. He also said as in this service money is not being paid so it will be liked by every one. Chief of UNICEF in Orissa Shairose Mawji said that through this service every needy family can avail their rights and also congratulated for it excellent initiative taken in the district of Koraput. It is a joint initiative of Collectorate of Koraput, United Millennium Campaign and Civil Society organisation SOVA and VSO. Samadhan is a platform on which citizens can use simple text messages or call in a toll free number (9437582015/06852-1077)to register their complain on different government schemes and also support tool to government in providing efficient and transparent service.

12th February 2011

Playing Material Distribution to 21 Anganwadi Center by SOVA, with the Support of ChildFund-India.

12th February 2011 - Mr. Jayram Pangi MP Koraput Praised the initiative taken by voluntary Organization SOVA and International Organization ChildFund-India for development of Anganwadi Worker as well as psychological development of children. Mr. Jayram Pangi was honored as the Chief Guest in the inaugural ceremony of Skill Development Programme for Anganwadi Worker and ASHA by the leading voluntary organization of Koraput SOVA. Mr. Pangi put forward his valuable words and requested all the AWW to co-operate with organization like SOVA and try to strengthen the government schemes which are already implemented, also educate other villagers on the government schemes. Honorable guest Mr. Raghuram Padal MLA of Koraput requested the Anganwadi Worker to Carry Out their responsibilities more effectively as well as focus on psychological development of children by utilizing the Playing Kit provided by SOVA. Mr. Ashok Kumar Pangi, President of Zila Parisad praised SOVA for organizing this type of program and requested the mothers presented over there to monitor the Anganwadi Center.

At the beginning Mr. Madan Krishani President SOVA, introduces the guests and Mr. Sanjit Patnaik Secretary of SOVA explained the objective behind this programme. At last playing kits were distributed to 21 Anganwadi Center’s of Three Block’s and vote of thanks was given by the Project Manager Mr. Bijay Chandra Pattnaik.

12th and 13th January 2011

YOUTH CONVENTION 2011

1st Day Youth Conventionl

12th and 13th January 2011 -On the eve of PARAB-2010 SOVA, with the collaboration of Concern Worldwide, UNICEF and District Administration has organized a two days Youth Convention at Koraput .The inaugural function was presided over the secretary of SOVA, Mr Sanjit patnayak welcomed the guests and explained the objectives of the two days youth convention the objectives are

1. Increase interaction among youths and equip them with information and providing them with tools to communicate and break the silence.
2. To mainstream HIV and AIDS by discussing it and making it part of Parab festival by sensitizing the youth and government officials.
3. To encourage the youth for nation building and integration for broader prospect.

Mr Siddhant Mohapatro, Honorable Member of Parliament cum Film Star inaugurated the two days youth convention, while inaugurating the convention he stressed that the youth should act as a responsible citizen and play a role model for others.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Siddhant Mohapatro, urged students to develop positive attitude towards life. He stressed the need of population control and share his experience of working with people living with HIV, he said” I represent the district Ganjam, which has the dubious distinction of having highest no of people living with HIV” he urged the audience not to have any negative attitude towards HIV and it is a disese like any other diseases. He urged students community to be volunteer not only spreading the message of HIV and AIDS but also be an ambassador of nations building. He thanked district administration and SOVA for taking a initiative on national youth day an important issue like HIV AIDS and population control.

The chief Guest Honorable Member of Parliament of Koraput, Sri. Jayaram Pangi speaking on the occasion requsted SOVA to spread the message of HIV and AIDS and other government schemes,in rural area, he said that the youth of Koraput District should come forward and take the lead of Village development and educate the community on different Govt schemes so that the Koraput people will get real benefit .He also requested the NGOs of Koraput district to work on Student dropout issue and water conservation.

Dr.Rabinarayan Das, CDMO, Koraput has requested the youth to take part the campaign of HIV prevention. The truck drivers, migrated laborers are mostly youths so they need to have self control and awareness among themselves as there is no chance of cure.

District Magistrate and Collector koraput Mr. Rajesh Partaker Patil,IAS reminded the noble works of Swami Vivekananda. If the youth will properly participate in the nation building then we may think of prosperity. It is high time for introspection and think of past, present and work for future. We should not only concerned about our self but also for the country. He encouraged youth to work like a messenger and should not be directionless. Without the support of youth holistic development of koraput is not possible. He said youths are the futures of the nation and if they believe “I can do it” than certainly they can .positive frame of mind of youth and work for the development of district is critical and significant component of development.

Zilla Parishad Koraput, President Mr.Ashok Ku Pangi has expressed his deep regret for the growing rate of HIV infection in Koraput region all the youth should ponder over the issues.

MLA of Koraput, Sri.Raghuram Padal, said that if our youth doesn’t want to develop himself/herself then that locality will not go ahead. So apart from youth the local representative likes, ward members, Sarpanch should join hand for overall development.

MLA of Laxmipur, Sri. Jina Hikuka, said after 63 years of independence we are still witnessing mass illiteracy, unemployment, hunger, poverty etc. The main parameter of state is that how it is sound in case of socio-economic prospect unfortunately our youth has not yet decided to shoulder their responsibilities and demanding for more rights. Youth have their suggestions and opinions in the development sector in country.

The participants were students around 1200 from 23 colleges and Central University, CSO representatives, Govt officials,PRI memebrs, media persons and volunteers.

To sum-up this Mr. Madan Kirsani, President of SOVA gave vote of thanks to all the guests, participants and the organizers in local language.

2nd Day Youth Conventionl

The second day of youth convention began with this interaction between PLHIV (People Living with HIV) and students about the transmission of virus, healthy life style of PLHIV, treatment problems faced by PLHIV, this programme was facilitate by program Manager Mr. Balaji Panigrahi the students from different college asked their queries to PLHIV, after that a panel discussion was held on the topic “role of youth in combating HIV and AIDS, reducing discrimination and increasing access for treatment”.

In this panel discussion majority of students come up with print that sensitization is the only way to reduce the problem of HIV/AIDS and youth mass should take lead role to promote it. Then the programme was followed by a quiz competition. It was based on GK, Sports, HIV/AIDS and Entertainment and about Koraput district. The audience had also actively participated in the competition. After that GD was conducted on the topic “should HIV testing be made mandatory before marriage”. A conclusion was drawn that HIV testing is necessary but it should not hamper any bodies’ dignity and worth. Also sensitization at individual level must be given more priority. Finally the programme was winded up by distribution of momento to the students and each and everone took the pledge of promoting the slogan of youth convention. “Break the Silence and talk about AIDS”.

5th December 2010

Coaching for Hope

5th December 2010 - “Coaching for Hope”, a programme to spread awareness on HIV and AIDS, through football coaching, which was launched by SOVA in collaboration with Skill Share International, Save the Children and DFID. While 15 tribal young boys were selected for getting training from international coaches Jacob and Dan with a supportive hand from J.Hema Rao a former national level player and the coach will be coaching the boys for the next two years, they would also be offered specialized training on spreading the message of preventing HIV/AIDS in their communities, Sanjit Patnaik Secretary of SOVA, Ashok Kumar Pangi President Zilla Parishad Koraput, OSAP 3rd Battalion Commandant Manmat Rao, Dr Dinesh Balinga and Sandip of Skill Share and Sasanka Kumar Padhi of Save the Children attended the ceremony.

World AIDS Day 2010

AN INNOVATION FOR OBSERVING WORLD AIDS DAY DECEMBER 2010 -

Every year world aids day is being observed on 1st December throughout the world with an objective to create mass awareness among the general public about HIV and AIDS. SOVA has adopted a theme called light for right with an objective to create mass awareness and reduce stigma and discrimination. To meet these objectives, SOVA has conducted different events for observation of World AIDS Day, 1st December. Secreatary SOVA Mr. Sanjit Patnaik, Program Manager Mr. Balaji Panigrahy with the support of CONCERN WORLD WIDE INDIA insited the entire event and Project Coordinator Ms. Afsana Begum facilitated the events.

A mini marathon (RUN FOR A NOBLE CAUSE) was organized among the rural youth of Koraput district, nearly 300 youths participated, 150 peer educators and 150 general public. With an aim to show solidarity towards PLHIV and to create mass awareness among people.

A Dhemsa competition (DANCE FOR A NOBLE CAUSE) was organized between the 14 blocks of koraput district with an objective to reduce stigma and discrimination. Many people attended this event because Dhemsa is the most popular local dance. All the participants took part by lighting a candle and taking an oath not to discriminate against any PLHIV.

Khek Khel Me Male: A district level friendly football match was conducted among the male youth from 14 blocks of Koraput district to disseminate the information regarding HIV/AIDS as football is one of the favorite games played in Koraput by the rural youths and which gathers a crowd.

A get together with DLN members and their family Facilitators organized the extempore topics round and them given a platform to speak and share their response among themselves. A drawing competition was held among them which were based on the theme “DREAM DLN.

EXIBITION STALL: SOVA has organized an exhibition stall at the heart of the town that is near bus stand. As bus stand is the mass gatherings of truck drivers, bus drivers, taxi drivers and rickshaw pullers the objective was to attract these stakeholders for participation and involvement in HIV/AIDS Programme.

30th of November 2010

Launching of First Community Radio Studio in South Odisha at Koraput

On 30th of November 2010 - Very recently SOVA, Koraput has taken the privilege to launch Dhimsa Community Radio Programme Centre (STUDIO) with the support of UNICEF, initiated since past two years back at Chappar village road. In presence of a series of dignitaries District Collector of Koraput, Mr.Rajesh Patil, President, Koraput Zilla Parishad, Mr.Ashok Pangi, Chief of UNICEF Odisha, Mrs.Shairose Mawji, Program Communication Officer of UNICEF-Odisha, Mr. Sunil Verma, Madam Alka from UNICEF, and Secretary of SOVA-Koraput, Mr.Sanjit Patnayak. Where 12 Community Reporters, 3 Supervisors and a Coordinator including 60 village volunteers were present and more than 500 community members of all age group attended the launching session.

The studio having almost all necessary equipments to develop radio programs taking recordings from the field as well as at studio. Till date Dhimsa Radio Station has developed more than 104 radio programs covering edutainment, awareness and entertainments, which were recorded at the community level with the participation of the members of the community. And on the day all the community members were openly given invitation to visit frequently to the new studio and record their voices and then playback to listen them along with other listeners in the community during narrowcast programs covering more than 1,50,000 population from 61 villages and Koraput NAC township. here.

March 2010

Girls Cycle Toward a Better Future

27 March 2010 - Many children around the world see a bicycle as a toy, a social activity, or a hobby. For the young girls of Koraput district, however, a bicycle can represent the opportunity of basic education.

On 27 March 2010, the secretary and the president of SOVA distributed bicycles to 23 girls from nearby villages. The bicycles were provided by the Gifts of Love and Hope Project of ChildFund India to promote education of girls in rural/tribal areas of Koraput district. ChildFund plans to provide a total of 66 bicycles.

On 01 April 2010, SOVA distributed the rest 43 bicycles to the girls which was supported by the Gifts of Love and Hope Project of ChildFund India

The distance from home to school is sometimes more than 5 km, too far to walk twice a day. This is especially true for girls, who are expected to contribute hours of their day to household chores. Attendance rates are abysmally low and dropout rates are high. In many cases, parents keep the children home until they are old enough to endure the long distances, but then the children are behind their peers in studies.

With the bicycles, the girls can more easily attend school on a regular basis. The bicycles also instill a sense of independence and confidence that is important in the development of a young girl. The children and parents were given an orientation on how to properly use and maintain the bicycles, ensuring that many, many children will have access to basic education in the future.

January 2010

New Logo

9 January 2010 - The population served by South Orissa Voluntary Action (SOVA) is only 36% literate, includes children, and highly values pictorial representation of their culture. For these reasons, SOVA’s logo is an especially important symbol of their focus and work. Read more. (PDF)

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