READS KarnatakaREADS KarnatakaBackground
READS was established by a group of seven professionals responding to the need to improve the living conditions of the poor and deprived — especially children and women from communities living as untouchables, cut off from mainstream public services.
Since its founding, READS has focused its work only in the most backward regions of Karnataka, working with the most vulnerable groups: Devadasi women, school dropouts, child labourers, adolescent girls and youth, children in difficult circumstances, and children at risk of child marriage or initiation to the Devadasi system.
Special emphasis has been placed on the long-term sustainability of this work — organising affected communities and empowering them to take on leadership roles and responsibility for overcoming the vulnerabilities they face, through access to public services and participation in mainstream decision-making.
Vision
Mission
Objectives
Expertise
READS follows an integrated approach to development, with a consistent focus on the holistic development of its target communities — particularly Dalit and tribal communities, and poor, marginalised Devadasi communities who have historically been among the most socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
The organisation has considerable experience across education, health, socio-economic development, women's empowerment, and Panchayati Raj — working to strengthen vulnerable communities, promote social inclusion, and improve their overall quality of life.