Secretary
A registered charity with registration number NIC 108671 under the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, Friends of the Indian Missionary Society, came into existence on October 24, 2022, to support the mission activities of the Indian Missionary Society in Northern India. Fr. Chandran Riymonds, a priest of the Indian Missionary Society (IMS), who has been visiting Belfast since 2006, has been the inspiration behind the charity "Friends of the Indian Missionary Society.".
Quality education is a matter of concern for the poor and the socially and economically marginalized communities in North India. Despite many efforts by the government, more work is needed to ensure that education among tribal communities and Scheduled Castes in India is not only accessible but also of better quality. Deep-rooted gender biases often hinder girls' education. Empowering girls through education can break the cycle of poverty. Establishing community learning centres can provide supplementary education for children. Lack of awareness and facilities related to menstrual hygiene force girls to miss school. Educating parents about the importance of education can lead to increased enrollment.
The lack of access to potable drinking water in poor and marginalized communities in India has severe and far-reaching consequences for their health and well-being. This issue is particularly prevalent in slums, rural areas, and tribal communities, where poverty and limited resources exacerbate the problem. Contaminated water not only leads to diseases but also affects their overall growth and development, forcing families to spend a significant portion of their income on medical treatments, thus perpetuating the cycle of poverty. The responsibility of fetching water falls on women and girls, who often have to walk long distances to fetch water.
There are over 1.49 million people living with limb loss in North Indian states. Aids and appliances play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life, promoting independence, and enabling social inclusion for people with disabilities. Mobility devices like wheelchairs give people with mobility impairments the freedom to move independently, improving their accessibility to various places and enhancing their self-esteem and confidence. Access to appropriate aid ensures that individuals with disabilities live with dignity, performing tasks without constant assistance.
Many underprivileged communities, particularly migrants and nomadic/displaced urban populations, live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Informal settlements are often subject to forced evictions, displacing families and disrupting their lives without providing adequate alternatives. The absence of basic amenities like proper ventilation and potable drinking water worsens the health hazards for these people. In spite of the various government initiatives to provide basic housing for the poor, the need is far beyond the government's capacity, leading to a scarcity of options for migrants and the urban poor. Proper housing enhances the dignity of families, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the community. Safe housing contributes to better maternal and child health outcomes by providing a hygienic living space.
Lack of livelihood opportunities for rural women in India is a multifaceted issue rooted in societal norms, economic disparities, and gender discrimination. Girls in rural areas are more likely to drop out of school due to family constraints, economic reasons, or a lack of access to quality education. Empowering rural women economically not only improves their individual as well as family wellbeing but also contributes significantly to the overall development and prosperity of society. Unemployment, particularly among underprivileged youth and communities, is a major concern that calls for skill development interventions. We support women for livelihood activities such as goat rearing, catering activities, the sale of vegetables and fruits, small eateries, and farm-based and non-farm-based activities.
The health and wellbeing of marginalized and underprivileged communities, especially in rural areas, are deeply affected by a multitude of factors, ranging from socio-economic disparities to inadequate access to healthcare and education. A shortage of doctors and healthcare professionals in rural areas further compounds the problem, leading to inadequate healthcare services. The caste system in India can lead to social exclusion and discrimination, affecting the overall wellbeing of marginalized communities. Malnutrition among the underprivileged communities, especially among children and pregnant women, leads to stunted growth and developmental issues. Organizing health camps for screenings, immunizations, and distribution of essential medicines and supplementary nutrition, especially for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and malnourished children, can improve health parameters among marginalized communities
