Lack of Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Many rural tribal areas in Odisha lacked and continue to lack adequate educational and health infrastructure, making it challenging for children to access quality education and health. KISS serves as a centralized institution, located in the capital city, Bhubaneswar, to ensure tribal students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and qualified teachers.

Teacher Absenteeism: In remote tribal regions, teacher absenteeism is a persistent problem. By bringing students to the residential campus, KISS guarantees a regular presence of dedicated teachers, eliminating the hindrance caused by teacher shortages in tribal areas.

Scattered Tribal Population: Odisha’s tribal communities are scattered across different regions, making it difficult to establish educational facilities in every village. KISS’s residential model provides a solution by bringing together tribal children from diverse communities into one central campus, enabling holistic development and the exchange of cultural knowledge.

Poverty and Deprivation: Tribal communities often face poverty and deprivation, which compels children to work and contribute to their family’s income at a young age. The residential model of KISS provides an opportunity for these children to break free from the cycle of poverty by offering them a safe and supportive environment where they can focus on their education.

Prevention of Child Labor and “Helping Hands”: Many tribal children are forced to engage in labor-intensive activities or become “helping hands” for their families due to socio-economic constraints. By providing a residential facility, KISS effectively removes children from these exploitative situations, protecting them from the burden of labor and enabling them to prioritize their education.

Lack of Understanding of Education’s Importance: Illiterate tribal parents often struggle to grasp the significance of formal education and its long-term benefits for their children’s future. The residential school model of KISS addresses this challenge by providing a dedicated space where children can receive education.

Limited Access to Formal Schools: In many tribal areas, the availability of formal schools is limited or non-existent. This results in a significant portion of tribal children not attending any formal education institutions. KISS’s residential model bridges this gap by providing a centralized facility where tribal children from various communities can access quality education, overcoming the barriers of geographical isolation.

Protection from Left-Wing Extremism Violence: Tribal communities in certain regions may be vulnerable to the influence of left-wing extremism and violence. By providing a residential environment that is removed from these troubled areas, KISS ensures the safety and security of its students, shielding them from the negative impact of such circumstances and fostering a peaceful and conducive learning environment.

KISS offers free education and residential facilities to its students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to education for tribal children. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, the institution enables students to focus on their studies and personal growth.

KISS recognizes the importance of a well-balanced diet for overall development. The institution ensures that students receive nutritious meals, promoting their physical and cognitive well-being.

KISS values and respects the indigenous knowledge and practices of tribal communities. The curriculum incorporates elements of tribal culture, language, and traditions, allowing students to maintain a strong connection with their heritage while receiving a modern education. Professors of Practice and Tribal Advisory Council are examples of how KISS maintains indigenous control of Education.

KISS employs a tutor-mentor system, where each student is assigned a mentor who provides personalized guidance and support. This approach fosters a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

Alongside academic education, KISS emphasizes vocational training and sports. By developing practical skills and nurturing athletic talents, the institution equips students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for various life pathways.

KISS facilitates the transition from mother tongue to a common language through its language lab. This ensures that students have the necessary linguistic skills to thrive in a multilingual society while preserving their cultural identity

KISS provides a two-month summer vacation for students, enabling them to spend quality time with their parents. Additionally, on the last Sunday of every month, parents can visit the campus to meet and interact with their children. Parents have a significant role in KISS’s decision-making process. They are represented in the institution’s governing body, allowing them to actively contribute to the school’s policies and initiatives. KISS maintains regular communication with parents through district coordinators. These coordinators act as a bridge between the institution and parents, ensuring effective communication and addressing any concerns promptly.

The impact of KISS has been immense, transforming the lives of tribal children and their communities in significant ways. The following aspects highlight the remarkable impact of KISS’s residential model

Many KISS alumni have excelled academically and pursued higher education in prestigious institutions. They have gone on to secure employment in diverse fields, including medicine, engineering, entrepreneurship, and sports. KISS’s focus on holistic education and vocational training equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers.

KISS has played a vital role in reducing the recruitment of tribal youth into Left Wing Extremist groups. By providing a safe and nurturing environment for education, KISS empowers students to choose education and employment opportunities over extremism, contributing to the overall peace and stability of the region.

KISS promotes holistic education by integrating various aspects such as girl child education, vocational and life skill education, healthcare, scientific temper, cleanliness, hygiene, and sustainable development. This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for all aspects of life.

KISS’s residential model has had a significant impact on eradicating social issues prevalent in tribal communities. It has successfully arrested problems such as hunger and malnutrition, child labor, early girl child marriage, superstitious practices, half education, and dropouts. By providing a supportive and nurturing environment, KISS protects children from these detrimental practices and empowers them to overcome social barriers.

The impact of KISS extends beyond its students. The institute has created employment opportunities for locals, contributing to the economic development of the region. It has also raised awareness about the neglected issues faced by tribal communities, leading to efforts to address these challenges on a larger scale.

KISS recognizes and values the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities. By incorporating indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditions into its curriculum, the institution actively preserves and promotes tribal heritage, ensuring that future generations maintain a strong connection to their roots.

The residential model significantly reduces the dropout rate among tribal students. By providing a supportive and safe environment, KISS prevents students from falling prey to social ills, such as child labor and early marriage.

The residential model enables a structured and continuous learning experience for tribal children. With access to qualified teachers and uninterrupted education, students can progress academically and develop their skills consistently. KISS places a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and vocational training. This holistic approach contributes to the overall development of students, nurturing their talents and instilling confidence. KISS has witnessed remarkable achievements in sports, with its students excelling at various levels. By providing extensive sports training, the institution empowers tribal children to compete and succeed on national and international platforms.

Satellite Centers: To reach more tribal communities, KISS is exploring the establishment of more satellite centers in areas with high demand. This expansion strategy aims to bring quality education closer to the homes of tribal students, reducing the need for long-distance travel.

Need-Based Approach: The future direction of KISS involves identifying and addressing the specific needs of tribal communities. By adapting its curriculum and services to meet these requirements, KISS aims to maximize its impact and ensure comprehensive development for tribal children.

KISS’s residential model has proven to be a catalyst for the educational and social upliftment of tribal communities in Odisha. Through its focus on holistic development, parental involvement, and a nurturing environment, KISS has successfully arrested dropouts, empowered students through continuous learning, and facilitated the preservation of tribal identity. As KISS continues to expand its reach and evolve its strategies, it remains committed to empowering tribal children and fostering a brighter future for marginalized communities.