Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Pollachi (Agenzia Fides) – The work of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary among the nomads of India began in 2005, in the camps of Udumalpet, in Tamil Nadu. The religious learned the customs of the group “Narikuravars” and began their first healthcare programs, with the help of two nomads working in this area already, spreading awareness of the Government's support for gypsies.
The Narikuravars already knew of the government programs, in part. They had lived in the houses given them, sleeping on the floor and spending what little earnings they had on alcohol. The most alarming fact was the living conditions of their children, who were receiving no education and had little hope of finding work when they grew up. Following the first educational programs, the Sisters made new contacts with the most numerous communities of Pollachi (27 families) and Ponnavaram (50 families).
In 2006, the first school-camp was established in Pollachi (Tamil Nadu), thanks to a joint effort between the Sisters and an educational NGO. The students learned Tamil, English, and Mathematics. The religious also provided the 25 students with a hot meal.
Beginning in September 2007, a second school-camp was established at the Immaculate Conception Convent in Karunya, opened to 35 nomad children. In addition to teaching school subjects, the Sisters give a course in craftsmanship, to perfect what they learn in their families (the Narikuravars often sell hand-crafted items on street corners or at bus stops). Thanks to help from benefactors and local school teachers, the Sisters hope to extend their education program to an ever greater number of children. In Pollachi, there is also a program that has been developed for low-credit loans for the nomads. (AM) (Agenzia Fides 24/10/2008)
