Outreach educational activities for the wider community

KISS Deemed to be University actively engages in dedicated outreach educational activities targeting a broad community, including alumni, local residents, displaced people, and refugees.

Some key initiatives include:

1. Alumni Engagement Programs: Through regular events, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities, KISS fosters strong connections with its alumni, encouraging them to contribute to the wider community and engage in lifelong learning.
2. Community Education Programs: KISS organizes free workshops, literacy drives, and skill development programs accessible to local residents and marginalized communities, promoting inclusivity and empowerment through education.
   1. Camps organized for nurturing potential youths.

Camps are organized in different districts of indigenous populated districts of Odisha and other states round the year to identify potential youths who are then further trained and made more employable. In partnership with its sister organization KIIT University, this year 2023, these camps were conducted online and offline modes. Counselors available with the University identified the aspirations and talents in indigenous youths, suggested domains of training to be imparted and provided online as well as offline counseling. The training was imparted by experienced University staff members on the use of file handling, communication skills, business communication writing, basic accounting, ICT technology and Digital skills. They were also referred to the Skill Development Center for training in different schemes under Government initiatives.

3. Support for Displaced and refugees: In collaboration with local NGOs, KISS extends its educational resources to displaced individuals and refugees, providing them with access to language training, vocational courses, and digital literacy programs, aiming to improve employability and community integration.

• Four sisters from Puri District, who were orphaned some years ago following the demise of their parents, were handed over appointment letters to three of them by the Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta. The appointment letters were presented in keeping with the promise made by the Founder when the sisters were hit by the greatest tragedy of their lives. The four sisters of Raghurajpur village near Chandanpur of Puri District were left destitute after the death of their parents Lakshmidhar Mahapatra and his wife. The KISS Foundation and Dr. Samanta came to their rescue after the media highlighted their plight. Dr. Samanta had promised them the necessary support for their livelihood and education. Samanta made it a point to meet the sisters regularly to inquire about their well-being and encouraged them to focus on their studies. He also provided financial assistance to help the elder sister complete their house, which was under construction under a government scheme. Keeping his promise, Dr. Samanta has provided employment to the three sisters in KISS and its sister concern KIIT University.

https://news.kiit.ac.in/kiss/kiss-foundation-changes-the-lives-of-4-orphan-sisters/

1. Sanatan Bhoi (13), Krishna Bhoi(10) & Kedar Bhoi (7) are the children of Late Premsila Bhoi of village Ranipur, GP-Jharial, Block-Bangomunda, district-Bolangir. They belong to the ST Community of Kandha. The father of the family, Late Dibakar Bhoi, a migrant labourer had passed away three years ago. Now after the death of the mother, who succumbed to a disease, the three children have become helpless & orphaned. They were living in a dilapidated building. Though the neighbours provided some support in the form of rations, it was not enough. Now the children have taken shelter in their relative grandfather’s house, & a big question mark hangs over the fate of the children. On knowing about their plight, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, eminent social activist & philanthropist on behalf of KISS Foundation has provided a financial assistance of Rs.5000/- & has assured them of continued learning at KISS, absolutely free of cost. This gesture of benevolence has earned wide appreciation from the local community.
2. KISS Foundation has come to the rescue of Brunda Kanhar whose son lost both his hands during a bore well digging work six years back. They belong to the village- Dagaripada, of Phiringia block of Kandhamal district. The son met with with the accident by coming into contact with a live wire. Though he survived, he has been facing a lot of difficulty on losing both of his hands. He cannot earn any livelihood because of his disability. Dr. Achyuta Samanta on learning about the incident has extended a helping hand by providing financial help of Rs.2000/- per month from KISS Foundation to the helpless person. The beneficiary and his family have expressed their gratitude for this noble service.
3. KISS Foundation has come forward to take the responsibility of two sisters, orphaned due the untimely death of their parents, Umesh Munda & Santoshini Munda. They belong to ST-Munda community of Banianidhi village of Badabahal GP, Redhakhol Block of Sambalpur district. The sisters had taken shelter in the house of their grandparent, Rengutu Munda. Dr. Achyuta Samanta on learning about their misfortune has immediately sanctioned a financial support of Rs. 4000/- & has assured them of monthly support of Rs. 4000/- for their studies & living expenses on behalf of KISS Foundation. Further they have been assured of continuing education at KISS, absolutely free of cost. Since KISS is closed now, due to the pandemic, they will be admitted on reopening of KISS as per Govt. Guidelines. Rengutu Munda & his two granddaughters are grateful for this timely support to KISS Foundation.
4. This is the story of two minor boys viz: Jagannath and Balaram of Gahaga Narasimhapur of Kendrapara district who had lost their father some time back & were leading a pitiable life with their helpless widowed mother. On leaning about their sorrowful existence, Dr. Achyuta Samanta on behalf of KISS Foundation has decided to support the family with a financial help of Rs. 5000/- per month to take care of their living and study expenses. Immediate sanction of Rs. 5000/- was also made. The boys and their mother have seen light at the end of the tunnel and hope to continue their studies with gratefulness.
5. This is a moving story of four helpless minor children whose mother Chandrama Pula had expired four years ago. The father had also ditched the children & was absconding. The family belong to Pulapali village of Bhojaguda GP in the Malkangiri district. The family was finding to make both ends meet having taken shelter in their paternal uncle’s house. Dr. Achyuta Samanta came to know about their plight and expressed his happiness on being informed that the children were continuing their studies despite the enormous difficulties. KISS Foundation has decided to take the responsibility of their studies & secured future. Hence an immediate monthly allowance of Rs. 5000/- was made available to the family. After KISS reopens after the pandemic, the children will be admitted as per Govt. guidelines. The four children namely Bhima Pula (Class-X), Minati (Class-VII), Sabita (Class-VI) & Shiba (Class-IV) have expressed their gratitude to KISS Foundation.
6. Upendra Prusty used to live in Hadabai Basti, Chakeisiani, in Bhubaneswar with his family of son, daughter & wife. He used to sell vegetables to make a living. Then he started to sell snacks in the campus of the Utkal University. He passed way some time back being afflicted with a disease. He being the only bread winner in the family, it became extremely difficult to run the family for Sarojini the widowed mother. Hence, she was forced to send her minor son Amit, a student of class –IX to sell snacks in the place of his father in the University campus. Amit continued his study despite the depravity. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, being himself an alumnus of Utkal University has decided to extend a helping hand by providing a financial grant of Rs. 2000/- and assured to support his further studies on behalf of KISS Foundation. The mother Sarojini and Amit has expressed their gratefulness for this benevolence.
7. Cultural and Knowledge Exchange Initiatives: KISS conducts community-oriented cultural festivals and knowledge-sharing sessions, which are open to the general public, encouraging a deeper understanding of local heritage and social issues.

These outreach efforts embody KISS’s commitment to supporting and uplifting all sections of society through educational empowerment and community building.