Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences is a non-governmental organization functioning from Bhubaneshwar, India. It was founded by Achyuta Samanta, who was always involved in social work and had a vision of eradicating poverty, illiteracy, and ignorance. It came to his realization that the only reason for the underdevelopment of tribals was the lack of education. This cause prompted him to start KISS for the benefit of the indigenous people.
The institute started with merely 125 students but has now increased to 25308 tribal children with students from African countries as well. KISS fulfills the necessities- education, accommodation, food, etc. of these children, most of them from poorest of the poor background. The Institute provides complete education from Kindergarten to Post Graduation level. KISS has now become world’s largest residential school for indigenous children and is among the top 10 NGOs in India and top 500 NGOs in the world. It has maintained a responsibility of transparency and publishes annual account details, other documents and reports on its website.
KISS believes in the ethos of eradicating poverty through education. 7000 kids have graduated from KISS and are now creating a mark for themselves in their work field. Students have excelled in academics, sports and other activities owing to the friendly, caring environment in KISS. The students are also taught life skills and job training for better experience. These students are making the institute proud and have scored almost 100% result in the state board examinations.
KISS works in association with world organizations like UNESCO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, UNECOSOC and US Federal Government. Timely contributions from people all around the world help in proper functioning of the institute. KISS’s mission is to eradicate poverty through quality education, preserve tribal culture and heritage, and empower the lowest strata of the society, provision of sustainable livelihood.
