Open Learning Systems (OLS) is the beginning of a realization of a common dream of professionals with expertise in various areas of human efficacy led by the indomitable spirit and commitment to the ideals of its founder Director. There was a crying need to ensure the rights of the children and adolescents, especially the disadvantaged ones. Initially, it started as a small venture for the protection of the Rights of the children, especially the differently-abled. However, soon it was felt that there is a need to have legal status to make this effort more effective. So, this small movement came into a formal platform, which was christened Open Learning Systems (OLS). Steps were taken to register this forum under relevant acts to give it more teeth and make the intervention widespread. Since its establishment in 1989, OLS has not looked back and it is contributing widely and strongly to the fight for the rights of the children, adolescents, women, and the physically challenged.
Genesis of Open Learning Systems (OLS)
Legal Status of OLS
| Registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Act of XXI) in the year 1989. | Registration No. 2205 - 468 0f 1988-1989 dated 18/02/1989 |
| Registered with Ministry of Home under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 in the year 2002. | Registration No. 104830091 dated 04/01/2002 |
| Registered with Income Tax Authorities having its Permanent Account Number (PAN). | Registration No. AAATO1083F dated 18/02/1989 |
| Registration under Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (RPD) Act - 1995 | Registration No. 13/WCD of 2004 Bhubaneswar, Dt. 20.08.2004 |
| Registration under National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities Act – 1999 | Registration No. 301581032/MR/CP/AUTISM/MD dated 13/10/2002. |
| Registration with Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) - 1992 | Registration No. RCI/INS/OR/412 dated 14/09/2000 |
| Registration under JJ Act, 2000 as a Children’s Home for special children | Registration No - JJ Cell-28- 2004/10293/WCD dated 27/04/2007 |
| Registration under ARUNIM (Association for Rehabilitation Under National Trust Initiative of Marketing) | Registration No - ARN 3026 dated 19th May 2014 |
Geographical area of Operation
OLS is a state-level organization reaching out to all districts’ stakeholders in need. It has a special presence in the districts of Khurda and Puri. However, it has collaborators in all other districts of Odisha through which it reaches out to the most disadvantaged sections of the society, even in the up reachable areas. More than 40,000 people directly or indirectly benefited from various programs that are being implemented by the organization.
To provide sustainable development for the debarred and vulnerable population with a special focus on children and persons living in difficult circumstances by acting as facilitators through community development, provision of education, vocational training, health awareness and service, shelter, nutrition, counseling, recreation, rescue & rehabilitation, repatriation, awareness on rights, emergency relief, and capacity building.
OLS envisions a society that would provide a conducive environment for the all around development of the unprotected sections of the society as a matter of their rights without any artificial barrier placed before them.
Rehabilitation and mainstreaming of children and persons with disabilities, children in difficult circumstances, detention, and in distress, by utilizing the existing resources as well as by developing new avenues for rehabilitation. Ensuring proper implementation of existing child-related laws and other special legislation through training, networking, and highlighting the concept of rights.
The main stakeholders of the organization are the children, adolescents, and women, especially those who are in a disadvantaged position. OLS works specifically for these categories of people:
- Children in difficult situations/circumstances including children with disabilities
- Destitute and exploited women
- Economically backward people including women
- Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- People using drugs and substances
- Respecting every individual’s Right to Life with Dignity
- Highly professional expertise being constantly upgraded
- Democratic functioning
- Practicing and promoting strongly secular values with an emphasis on the
development of scientific temper and rational approach to individual and social
problems - Commitment to human values
- Fostering the capacity of individuals and societies as a matter of right
- Mission
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To provide sustainable development for the debarred and vulnerable population with a special focus on children and persons living in difficult circumstances by acting as facilitators through community development, provision of education, vocational training, health awareness and service, shelter, nutrition, counseling, recreation, rescue & rehabilitation, repatriation, awareness on rights, emergency relief, and capacity building.
- Vision
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OLS envisions a society that would provide a conducive environment for the all around development of the unprotected sections of the society as a matter of their rights without any artificial barrier placed before them.
- Goals
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Rehabilitation and mainstreaming of children and persons with disabilities, children in difficult circumstances, detention, and in distress, by utilizing the existing resources as well as by developing new avenues for rehabilitation. Ensuring proper implementation of existing child-related laws and other special legislation through training, networking, and highlighting the concept of rights.
- Target Group
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The main stakeholders of the organization are the children, adolescents, and women, especially those who are in a disadvantaged position. OLS works specifically for these categories of people:
- Children in difficult situations/circumstances including children with disabilities
- Destitute and exploited women
- Economically backward people including women
- Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- People using drugs and substances
- Core Values
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- Respecting every individual’s Right to Life with Dignity
- Highly professional expertise being constantly upgraded
- Democratic functioning
- Practicing and promoting strongly secular values with an emphasis on the
development of scientific temper and rational approach to individual and social
problems - Commitment to human values
- Fostering the capacity of individuals and societies as a matter of right