Every child deserves the chance to grow with confidence, dignity, and equal opportunities—yet adolescents with disabilities are often among the most excluded. They face higher risks of violence, bullying, and social isolation, while also lacking access to essential knowledge about their health and rights.
Studies reveal that children with disabilities are nearly four times more likely to face violence and significantly more vulnerable to neglect of their sexual and reproductive health needs.
At KISS, we believe life skills education can be a gamechanger. By equipping young people with critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills—along with gender-sensitive awareness—we can empower them to lead healthier, safer, and more fulfilling lives. Project SAMARTHYA builds this foundation for some of Odisha’s most vulnerable adolescents, ensuring that inclusion and protection are not just ideals, but everyday realities.
Launched in 2020, Project SAMARTHYA is the first initiative of its kind in India to introduce life skills education in special schools for adolescents with disabilities.
A collaborative effort between KISS, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability (SSEPD), Govt. of Odisha, the project reached over 8,500 adolescents across 155 special schools in Odisha.
Through innovative teacher training, tailored resources, and accessible classroom tools, SAMARTHYA creates safe learning environments where students with visual, hearing, physical, and intellectual disabilities can explore topics of self-awareness, health, gender equality, and personal safety.
Formation of a specialized group to guide implementation and ensure best practices.
Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices in special schools.
Teacher and caregiver training module developed with Kalpoosh Foundation.
Training of 25 Master Trainers and 200 Special Educators.
Orientation of 124 school heads for effective program monitoring.
Sensitization of 120 child protection officers to safeguard
Resource and communication materials distributed to schools.
Projectors, sound systems provided for inclusive classrooms.
Launch of a mobile application for real-time monitoring and reporting.
Promoting health awareness and well-being among adolescents with disabilities.
Ensuring inclusive and equitable education for students with disabilities.
Achieving gender equality and empowering all children, including those with disabilities.
adolescents with disabilities reached
school heads and 120 child protection officers oriented
Master Trainers and 200 Special Educators empowered
Resource kits, classroom tools, and digital monitoring app rolled out across schools
A leading international organization working to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Government of Odisha – committed to creating an inclusive society.
Join us in creating a world where every adolescent with disabilities has access to life skills education, dignity, and equal opportunities.
