In a remote part of the Indian state of Odisha, the Mayurbhanj district surrounded by mountains and jungle, live the poorest and landless Mankidia and Lodha communities. These marginalised tribals are among the most disadvantaged groups in India and struggle daily to survive. Their precarious living conditions are exacerbated in winter by the bitter cold, as their simple huts offer little shelter.

ChildRightNow, together with its local partner organisation Anwesana, has responded. After board member Nina Klaus personally experienced the plight on the ground and spoke to the villagers, it was decided to help the tribal communities. In January 2023, a total of 1000 people were provided with warm blankets and 100 huts received much needed plastic sheets.

The aim of this project was to protect these tribal communities from the hardships of the cold and to provide support in their extreme poverty and homelessness. The distribution of blankets and tarpaulins helped to bring warmth and hope to these communities. This programme thus not only alleviated the acute need, but also sent a signal that help and solidarity are possible, even in the most remote regions. ChildRightNow and Anwesana have made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life and well-being of these disadvantaged communities through this action.

The project was implemented by our local project partner Viswass and monitored by ChildRightNow International.