We are striving to create a world where women have the opportunity to live their lives in dignity and with independence, with equal access to economic and social opportunities, and freedom from violence. We believe that providing safe housing and high quality education for all girls is the bedrock of this vision.
Our mission
The mission of the Sathyam Association is to transform the lives of girls and women by creating profitable and sustainable social enterprises that provide reliable, long-lasting income and work opportunities.
By providing safe housing and high quality education, the girls of KKSS are set up to be leaders of tomorrow.
We aim to generate enough money to send all the girls at KKSS to high quality education as well as dignified training and economic opportunities to women in the community. While we focus on these groups, we also support the care and rehabilitation of the entire KKSS community to include babies, children and staff.
Kalaiselvi Karunalaya Social Welfare Society, KKSS.
KKSS is a registered Society working for the betterment of the underprivileged, downtrodden, and marginalized communities in rural and urban Tamil Nadu.
Since 1983, they have sought to transform society, bringing about equality and justice.
Our story
The mission of the Sathyam Association is to transform the lives of girls and women by creating profitable and sustainable social enterprises that provide reliable, long-lasting income and work opportunities. We aim to generate enough money to send all the girls at KKSS to high quality education as well as dignified training and economic opportunities to women in the community. While we focus on these groups, we also support the care and rehabilitation of the entire KKSS community to include babies, children and staff.
Saskia first visited India in 2010 to volunteer with Rajini and KKSS with her background in design, social enterprise and with a focus on women's and children's programs. She has come back most years since then working within different areas of the organisation alongside the Head Secretary, Rajini Devi. In 2016 both Saskia and Rajini formed the Sathyam Project and in 2019 opened Sathyam Cafe. They continue to work together closely on the ground and remotely.
Our team
We are a passionate team committed to equal opportunities for girls and women in India.
Saskia Rysenbry
Project Director
Social designer and entrepreneur, Saskia is passionate about using design for empathy, with the potential for real social impact, always aiming toward the protection of vulnerable people and ecosystems. She started the Sathyam Project with Rajini in 2014, building facilities and training programs.
Rajini Devi
KKSS Head Administrator
Rajini has been the Head Administrator since 2002 and has ensured a high level of quality in education and rehabilitation for hundreds of girls and women who have been through the programs with KKSS.
Ann Anra
Project Partner in India
Ann founded Wasted 360 Solutions in Chennai with a mission to reconstitute waste by reusing, up-cycling, and recycling it. She has many years experience working with women's groups and income generation programmes. Ann manages Sathyam projects in India as well as staff.
Carolina Pererira
Media + Parnerships, Board Member Portugal
Carolina is a storyteller for the United Nations because the believes that stories change mindsets and shape cultures. She has also been working with gender equality, women's rights and inclusion and implemented HeForShe in Portugal.
Philippa Lumley
Human Rights Legal Advisor, Board Member Australia
Philippa is a senior lawyer with experience traversing human rights, environmental law and criminal advocacy, both within Australia and internationally. She is passionate about access to justice for the most vulnerable in our society, especially women and girls.
Jessica Jouning
Financial Advisor, Board Member Australia
Jessica’s background is in the funds management industry with a focus on financial analysis and long-term engagement with management teams. She brings specialist financial knowledge to this role and fundamental understanding of investment and business decisions.