Our Journey

Our journey so far has been memorable, impactful and meaningful for both the community and the organization as whole. We have created, implemented, and shared several innovative programs and approaches with the community and CBOs, which have been greatly appreciated by our well-wishers, community members and duty bearers. With the continued support of various stakeholders, we are commited to advancing out work, carrying forward our innovation programs, and achieving our goals with the ongoing suport of the community.

1993-1995

  • Establishment of South Orissa Voluntary Action (SOVA)
  • Conducted a study and published a report on the status of Upper Kolab displaced people
  • A livelihood program for displaced families was launched with SHG support.
  • Non-formal education for children was introduced in 13 villages.
  • An Adult Education program was initiated for displaced families.

1996-1999

  • A KABP (Knowledge, Attitude, Belief, and Practices) study on HIV and AIDS was conducted for the first time in the undivided Koraput district.
  • A Targeted Intervention (TI) programme aimed at migrant workers was launched.
  • An HIV/AIDS prevention programme was introduced in Koraput District.
  • A child rights program was initiated in Koraput district.

2000-2002

  • 1,000 Peer Volunteers Mobilized to Advocate for HIV/AIDS Prevention in Koraput.
  • “Child Tracking” Tool Introduced, Developed in Collaboration with Child Club Members.
  • Free STI/RTI Treatment Clinic Opened in Koraput District by SOVA to Support Public Health.
  • Livelihood Support Program Rolled Out for Families Affected by Upper Kolab Displacement.

2003-2005

  • Conducted 700 street plays across Koraput’s 700 villages with 7 cultural groups to raise awareness about mother and child health.
  • Set up two residential schools, accommodating 50 dropout boys and 50 dropout girls.
  • Launched a child sponsorship program in the district.
  • Established a Positive People’s Network within the district.

2006-2008

• Launched diarrhea control programme in Dasmantpur Block of Koraput District
• Launched PD Hearth (A childhood malnutrition programme) in Koraput District
• SOVA’s Vision, Mission, Strategy Document was reframed, and the Logo was redesigned.
• SOVA’s new administrative office & training centre at Koraput became functional.
• Became the mother NGO for the RCH-2 Programme in the district.

2009-2011

  • Developed the first-ever tribal language word book to overcome language barriers in the border area.
  • Launched an Inclusive Education program for blind and low-vision children.
  • Introduced ‘Samadhan,’ a grievance redressal mechanism by SOVA, launched by CM Naveen Patnaik.
  • Established ‘Open Shelter,’ a child care home for needy children in Koraput.

2012-2014

  • Introduced the Community Monitoring & Information System (CMIS) for tracking progress.
  • Launched ‘Coaching for Hope’ to drive social change among youths in Koraput.
  • Promoted Orange Flesh Sweet Potato as a nutritious food in 300 villages.
  • Inaugurated a Community Radio Station building in Chappar Village.

2015-2017

  • Established CCI-ASTHA Children’s Home with support from the W&CD department.
  • Launched the CHILDLINE-1098 program in the Koraput district.
  • Received a broadcasting license from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for SOVA’s Community Radio Centre, ‘Dhimsa’.
  • Launched program for low vision and blind children in Koraput with district admin support.

2018-2020

  • The Digital Adult Literacy Program was launched in Rayagada District.
  • The Sampurna Barta and Jeevan Sampark programs for mothers and children introduced in Rayagada District for PVTG tribes.
  • COVID-19 relief program was implemented across various blocks in Koraput and Rayagada.
  • The second phase of the MTB-MLE Program was initiated in Koraput District.

2021-2023

  • Launched the “Reaching to the Unreached” project for the forest dwellers in Koraput District.
  • A comparative study was conducted in Koraput to identify the best practices for reducing child marriage.
  • A dedicated building was constructed for the ASTHA Children in Koraput.
  • The Access to Justice project was launched in the Koraput and Nabarangpur to address child protection issues.

2023-2025

• The Rural Creche Initiative (RCI) was launched in the Koraput and Nabarangpur districts to provide access to crèches for all children between the ages of 7 months and 3 years.
• The Adult Literacy Programme was launched in 75 villages of Koraput district.
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