Youth Development Society of Sikkim

Established in the year 2002 in the East District of Sikkim, India, as a social organization with the objective of developing rural and social groups particularly women which activities have diversified in multiple developmental fields. It believes in the concept of by the people, for the people and of the people.

YODESS works in collaboration with various district administrations, other government departments and developmental organizations. YODESS's vision is to influence positive social change and provide employment opportunities to the backward communities through the exchange of ideas, knowledge, skills and encouraging participation in volunteering programs. Some of the work undertaken at the grassroots level varies on a variety of social and environmental issues like rural health, agriculture, water conservation and education.

Some of the projects involve, providing a platform for women empowerment among rural and social groups through education, health and sanitation, streamlining traditional handicrafts, the formation of self-help group and farmers group, promotion of local culture and tradition, sustainable agriculture and conservation of water resources. It plays a role as a facilitator for the disadvantaged sectors of our society.

YODESS has successfully partnered with Grow-Trees to plant trees in Eastern Sikkim thus elevating the livelihood of the local communities and preserving the luxuriant biodiversity.