About thE projects
Lok Manch
- Where: India
- What: Community rights’ support
- Number helped: 6,000
We are currently partnered with Lok Manch. They are working to protect India’s environment and the most vulnerable people affected by climate change. Lok Manch do this through advocating for land rights for the Adivasi community, one of India’s indigenous peoples.
The Adivasi people often lose their land to mining companies who are destroying the planet and making many of the Adivasi community homeless while doing so.
During 2020, Lok Manch was able to secure protected forest status for 657 villages, training the communities in water conservation, environmentally friendly farming methods, and tree planting.
Lok Manch also advocates for safe and sustainable fishing in Kerala. On this front, Lok Manch partners with the Adivasis Development Initiative in Kerala to combat sea erosion and promote sustainable fishing techniques.
Jesuit Missions has been working with Lok Manch since 2016 to make people aware of their entitlements and help protect the environment.
AHEAD Centre
- Where: Madurai Province, India
- What: Addiction support
- Number helped: 87,000
The Arrupe Health Enclave for Alcohol/Drug Dependents (AHEAD) helps support those living in and around Madurai, India, who are struggling with substance abuse.
It aims to build awareness of the situation in the region, generate effective intervention and provide treatment facilities to young people afflicted by drugs and other addictions.
Building in aspects of faith, as well as a focus on nature, health and frank discussions, the centre provides ongoing support to those who need it.
Some of the project’s beneficiaries now work with the centre to deliver talks to others struggling with addiction to show that another way is possible.
One example of this is 24-year-old Gilbert, who checked into the AHEAD Centre following years of marijuana dependency – following his recovery he has been able to complete his studies and uses his journey to inspire others.
Human Life Development & Research Centre
- Where: Darjeeling, India
- What: Anti-human trafficking
- Number helped: 100 women
This project seeks to support women and children living in the tea gardens of North Bengal who are considered vulnerable and at risk of exploitation.
It has set up a number of programmes aimed at giving these women the opportunity to live more sustainably – these include a cultural garment shop, new tailoring equipment and an organic vegetable shop.
Funding from JM has led to the creation of an ‘anti-human trafficking and migrant help desk’, giving concerned individuals the chance to speak with qualified staff in this area.
And it has enabled poor girls from the tea gardens to gain a better education, with several classes, such as nursing skills, available to them.
English for Employability
- Where: Kerala, India
- What: English language skills
- Number helped: 240 young people
This project seeks to enhance the employability potential of socio-economically disadvantaged youth – many from fishing and tribal communities – by improving their English skills.
Across Kerala, it is seen as greatly advantageous to be able to speak English effectively – without such skills, marginalised groups often struggle to break out of a cycle of poverty.
The project focuses on core reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, to ensure participants are covered in all aspects of language. It is practice-orientated, built around interactive activities with an emphasis on having fun while learning.
It seeks to inspire others from such backgrounds, highlighting the importance of learning new skills and providing them with more options for the future.
More projects
Rwanda
More than a dozen schools in Rwanda have established ‘environment clubs’ to help teach students how to protect and utilise their natural surroundings.
Ukraine
Working with our friends at the Jesuit Refugee Service and as part of the Xavier Network, we continue to support those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
Southern Africa
Working across five countries in Southern Africa, the projects here look to engage young people in their faith, and equip them for life in the 21st century.
Guyana
From education classes for indigenous children to a series of environmental projects aimed at the country’s youth, JM’s support is helping Guyana prepare for the future.
help us continue our vital work
With your support, we can continue our work improving the lives of those who need it most.