Building confidence, resilience, and informed decision-making for tribal adolescents
Adolescence is a time of rapid physical and emotional change, often accompanied by vulnerability, risk-taking, and pressure from peers. Without accurate knowledge or guidance, many young people—especially those from tribal communities—struggle with misinformation about sexuality, reproductive health, and decision-making.
For tribal adolescents in Odisha, the challenges are even greater. With limited access to resources and safe spaces to learn, they face heightened risks of poor health, early pregnancies, and social exclusion. Poverty, industrialization, and migration further intensify these vulnerabilities.
Life Skills Education (LSE) empowers adolescents to make informed, responsible, and healthy choices. It builds self-confidence, resilience, and the ability to navigate complex situations—ensuring that young people, especially those from marginalized groups, grow into responsible, independent, and empowered citizens.
KISS directly reached 10,000 tribal adolescents, building their knowledge and skills while creating a safe and enabling environment.
KISS provided technical support to extend this initiative across 500 government tribal residential schools—including SSD high schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs)—benefiting 70,000 adolescent
With UNFPA support, the Odisha ST & SC Development Department began implementing the programme directly in government schools. Meanwhile, KISS institutionalized the programme within its own ecosystem to ensure long-term sustainability.
adolescents covered through regular LSE-SRH sessions in grades VI–IX and XI
head Masters sensitized on programme delivery and monitoring
school Management Committee membersoriented on programme goals
gender Coordinator strained to support KGBV schools
district Resource Personstrained to support teachers
government teachers trained in LSE methodologies
DIET faculty trained to integrate LSE into teacher training
research papers generated on Life Skills & Adolescent SRH with UNFPA’s technical input
— Jhilli Naik, student
“These courses taught me things I usually only hear about on social media. I feel more confident now to take on challenges.”
— Jyoti Nayak, student
“The knowledge I gained will help me in exams, interviews, and debates. It has opened up a new way of learning.”
— Roji Bhoi, student
“I could choose from many courses—cybersecurity, AI, design thinking. They were practical and flexible. This will shape my career path.”
Together, we can ensure every young person has the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about their health and future.
