By Matters India Reporter

Berhampur, Odisha: Solidarity for Developing Communities (SFDC), an NGO, marked its 25 years of commitment towards working in solidarity with and for developing, Adivasi, Dalit and OBC communities of South Odisha on May 31 in Berhampur, Odisha, Eastern India.

The SFDC has been working intensively for the development of the poor, marginalized and deprived Adivasi, Dalit and OBC communities belonging to most remote and mountainous districts of Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam and Rayagada, said Bijay Singh, founder and executive secretary of SFDC.

The SFDC’s focus was to strengthen the socio-economic condition of these communities by providing them with quality education starting from pre-school level to higher education level and further leading them to come out as professionals to contribute towards their families and community as human harmonizers, said Singh, a Catholic and social worker.

During the past 25 years, the organization has never hesitated to deal with many difficult situations and have overcome it by developing new strategic plans. Despite hardships, it has moved forward to achieve the objectives and goals of the programme with a slogan “A Journey of Education for Peace and Spirituality”, he said.

SFDC was started on May 31, 1993.

“The roots are our founding team and governing body, branches being our vibrant team of staff, consultant interns and volunteers who have implemented and expanded the outreach and impact of our programmes. Our partners and supporters have been our nourishing manure and water. The fruits are our beneficiaries including children, women, men and youth (students and alumni),” added Singh.

The youth become human harmonizers, contributing towards the well being and development of their own regions and communities, through education, knowledge, skills, compassion, empathy, peace and spirituality.

Several alumni appreciated SFDC’s contribution.

“I never forget to all the SFDC family members, because it brought a change in my life and made me a good human person to promote peace and harmony in society. I feel proud for what I have become today,” said Barsharani Digal,

“It is SFDC’s commitment to our poor students who are interested to strengthen their dreams at SFDC,” she added.

SFDC is doing a wonderful job from its inception. Beneficiaries are benefited in many ways. It has created examples in the development sector, she added.