JPIC involvement at the community level (nursery), Malwan

Background

The Malwan community is situated in an lower-middle class area, where most of the population belongs to the fisher folk community and a few are dependent on farming and tourism.

The area is frequently hit by cyclones that affects the daily incomes and homes of the local population. During cyclones, tourists are absent, farmers’ crops get damaged and the fisher folk cannot go to the sea, leaving local inhabitants in a marginalised situation. Moreover, fish stocks are diminishing due to global warming, making it difficult to the fisher folk community to survive on fishing alone.

Other challenges include: many families have elderly staying without sufficient support from their children; lack of professional courses and colleges making local youth migrate to Mumbai; extra marital relationships breaking up families. And economic development has adversely affected people’s spirituality because of the pursuit of wealth, immediate benefits and jobs.

There is a deep need for regular accompaniment.

Reaching out to people in need has always been part of the RSCJ daily life in Malwan. Supporting RSCJ to reach people in marginalised situations is part of the province priorities to further integrate JPIC in the routine. Other JPIC concerns, in particular environmental and social issues, need special attention among the community members.

Activities

• Village visits: Once a month, the three RSCJ community member go for the village mass; participate in local celebrations (upon invitation); attend funerals;

• People visit: once a month, local RSCJ visit those who are sick and bed ridden, and in need. At times, depending on the nature of the problem, all three RSCJ visit together. For instance, a cyclone hit one of the intervention areas (that was also the village of one of the RSCJ), and hospitality was offered to some of the victims (they did not take it and stayed with all the affected population).   

• Village nursery:
  • RSCJ run a nursery for these village families.
  • Visit to parents when their child appears to need extra attention
  • Visit to parents: on general topics
  • Encouraging parents of our nursery children to avoid consumerist tendencies in the choice of foods, clothing, toys etc. 

• Villagers’ visit to the community: welcome villagers in problematic situations coming to the community for suggestions or counselling. 

• JPIC social justice integration 
  • Care for the community workers:
  • Ensure just wages to the community workers;
  • Provide daily lunch to the community cook without budgeting for it;
  • Visit the families of the workers.

• Care of our Common Home:
  • Separation of waste;
  • Careful use of water;
  • Careful use of electricity;
  • Avoid use of plastics;
  • Planting of trees; 
  • Awareness session about harmony with creation and with all people irrespective of caste, religion, etc.

Results

JPIC has taken a bigger place in the community daily talks over dinner. JPIC related sensitivity has been incorporated into the community goal. Every six months, the three RSCJ members review their life together and during these meetings JPIC is discussed. Still to be registered measurable outcomes of the activities.

 

Extra comments : 

Sr Shanti Fernandes RSCJ has also been involved in the activities. 

Sr. Sophie N.I. moved to Mumbai. 

 

 

People being served : Agents of transformation (Educators)

Age group : Adults 26-60

Number of participants : mai-50

Project status : Ongoing

Society presence : India

Focus of the project : People

JPIC Imperative : Transforming and Being Transformed

UN Sustainable Development Goals : 17 Partnerships for the Goals, 4 Quality Education