Nuns’ Development Center uplifts village girls in North East
George Kommattam
- October 2024
The Centre for Development Initiative (CDI), run by the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, has been transforming the lives of village girls in northeastern India for over 80 years. Located near Guwahati Airport, the center provides free education, vocational training and life skills to girls from marginalized communities, helping them escape poverty and exploitation.
Lalhriatpuii from Mizoram reflects on her experience at the center: “All that I learned from here has given me hope.” Through CDI, she, like many others, found a path to financial independence and a brighter future. The center’s programs, which include training in tailoring, housekeeping, and soap-making, provide practical skills that enable girls to secure a livelihood and protect themselves from exploitation.
Sumarlangki from Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, shares how the tailoring program changed her life. “Thanks to the training, I now run my own business. It has given me hope and confidence to earn and live well,” she says. For girls like her, learning a trade through the center offers a lifeline, breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Sister Teresa Salemthangi, the center’s Assistant Director, who belongs to the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC) congregation, explains the challenges the girls face. “Poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities often force families to send their daughters into domestic work or unsafe migration to big cities. This puts them at significant risk of exploitation and human trafficking.” The center aims to break this cycle by providing education, vocational skills, and essential life skills like financial management and leadership, which empower the girls to take charge of their lives.
The nuns also work to raise awareness about human trafficking, educating families and girls on the risks of unsafe migration. Salesian Father V T Dominic, a missionary in the region, praises their work: “The MSMHC sisters are doing wonderful work, especially for young girls who might have faced difficult lives. Their commitment is truly inspiring.”
Through partnerships with government agencies and other organizations, CDI ensures the long-term impact of its programmes, helping girls not only transform their futures but also uplift their communities.
Send your feedback to : onlinekeralacatholic@gmail.com
