Partners

Established in 2018 under the Rajasthan Public Trust Act, Olakhaan Trust is dedicated to addressing critical gaps in access to rights for some of India's most marginalized communities, including Nomadic, Dalit, and Adivasi groups. Driven by Paras Banjara's extensive field knowledge and lived experiences, Olakhaan Trust strives to empower these communities by advocating for their rights and fostering a deeper sense of identity and belonging. This role presents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to social change and support the vital work of Olakhaan Trust. The Trust initially focused on creating community libraries as spaces for education and recreation but has since evolved to tackle broader issues impacting the youth and the community, such as education, employment, gender justice, and socio-economic rights. The organization's vision is to foster holistic development by empowering young individuals to become advocates for change within their communities. They work closely with the local youth, training them to identify and address systemic issues, such as caste discrimination, gender-based violence, and access to education. With a strong emphasis on equity and rights, Olakhaan aims to bridge the gap between marginalized communities and socio-economic opportunities by addressing systemic barriers affecting their well-being.

Project with MHI

Olakhaan Trust will focus on creating community centres and libraries while training youth as changemakers, in 10 panchayats of Kumbalgarh. By engaging local youth, particularly from SC/ST communities, the initiative aims to develop a cadre of individuals who can address critical issues such as forest rights, mental health, gender and caste violence, and access to government schemes for the community. The project includes a series of trainings, community events, and youth camps to raise awareness and build inter-community cohesion. These activities will cover essential topics, including constitutional rights, governance, and gender sensitivity, thus equipping youth with the knowledge to challenge regressive practices and advocate for their rights. Furthermore, Olakhaan Trust intends to provide emotional and psychosocial support to survivors of violence and those with mental health issues. Through this network of local youth changemakers, they hope to drive community development initiatives and enhance the overall well-being of the marginalized populations in the region.