Wish you all a bright, prosperous and grace-filled New ... · Strengthening of Children's...

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October - December 2017 Vol. 5, No. 4 In a world of injustices and incredibly complex, pressing challenges, we need people and organizations who are committed to making a difference in the lives of people within their communities more than ever before. Fransalian Agency for Social Care and Education in India (FAsCE India), through its commitment to bringing about positive social change, helping individuals of all ages thrive in their local environment and being an advocate for those who have lost their voice, play a prominent role in improving the lives of those who need it most through its timely interventions, dynamic activities and people-oriented projects. The fourth quarter of the year 2017 witnessed varieties of activities implemented by FAsCE India for its beneficiaries in various thrust areas: Inauguration of the new Supplementary Education Centre for the Children at Ekrabari, Capacity Building and Training Programmes for the Youth, Lay Leaders and Women, Distribution of Multiple Micronutrients, Relief Support to the Flood Affected Families, Clean Drive, Observation of National and International Days of Importance etc. are some of them to mention. Through its pro-poor and people-oriented activities, FAsCE India is continually becoming instrumental for social transformation and holistic development. For FAsCE India, the year 2017 has been a year full of blessings and graces from God, its supporters and well-wishers. As we say goodbye to 2017, l thank the Almighty for His constant love, concern, protection and divine providence on our journey to social transformation and holistic development. May I also take this opportunity to thank Rev. Fr Provincial and his Administration, our benefactors and sponsors, partners and well-wishers, stakeholders and beneficiaries, collaborators and friends, each and every one of you, for the unconditional support, constant encouragement, patient accompaniment and above all, for helping us in reaching out to many more people in different parts of Northeast India. I would like to place on record my appreciation and thankfulness to the ever faithful and selflessly committed Staff of FAsCE India for their commendable service and joyful availability. As we welcome the New Year 2018, I look forward to your continued support and encouragement, collaboration and cooperation, accompaniment and prayers. Let us join our hands together and march forward to touch the hearts and bring light to the lives of the people, especially, the poor, the less fortunate and the marginalized lots of the society. Let us do what we can, with what we have and where we are. Wish you all a bright, prosperous and grace-filled New Year 2018! Fr (Dr) Saji George Puthiyakulangara MSFS Executive Director, FAsCE India Inauguration of New Supplementary Education Centere at Ekrabari Children's Representatives at Assam Secretariat Strengthening of Children's Parliament at SOS Children's Village Outing to State Planetarium for FAsCE Supplementary Education Centre, Narengi Youth Leadership and Development Programme at Guwahati All Siang District Youth Convention at Aalo Seminar Cum Training for Leaders at Kaying Distribution of Relief Support at Bordoibam Training by Visiting Community Resource Persons from Andhra Pradesh Exposure Visit to FAsCE India SHGs Jyoti Self Help Group celebrates 12th Foundation Day Supply of Multivitamin Tablets at Amsing Jorabat FAsCE India joins NULM-GMC for Swachh Mission Clean Village Campaign at Thingbakhullen Social Work for the Children at Thingbakhullen Reflection: TISS MSW Interns Office Updates Success Story World Food Day Observed Blind Walk on World Sight Day Children's Day Celebrations Pre-christmas Celebration Promoting Progress Through Mobility A New Lease of Life for St. Joseph's Primary Health Centre, Manikbond Children's Convention at Manikbond

Transcript of Wish you all a bright, prosperous and grace-filled New ... · Strengthening of Children's...

October - December 2017 Vol. 5, No. 4

In a world of injustices and incredibly complex, pressing challenges, we need people and organizations who are committed to making a difference in the lives of people within their communities more than ever before. Fransalian Agency for Social Care and Education in India (FAsCE India), through its commitment to bringing about positive social change, helping individuals of all ages thrive in their local environment and being an advocate for those who have lost their voice, play a prominent role in improving the lives of those who need it most through its timely interventions, dynamic activities and people-oriented projects.

The fourth quarter of the year 2017 witnessed varieties of activities implemented by FAsCE India for its beneficiaries in various thrust areas: Inauguration of the new Supplementary Education Centre for the Children at Ekrabari, Capacity Building and Training Programmes for the Youth, Lay Leaders and Women, Distribution of Multiple Micronutrients, Relief Support to the Flood Affected Families, Clean Drive, Observation of National and International Days of Importance etc. are some of them to mention. Through its pro-poor and people-oriented activities, FAsCE India is continually becoming instrumental for social transformation and holistic development.

For FAsCE India, the year 2017 has been a year full of blessings and graces from God, its supporters and well-wishers. As we say goodbye to 2017, l thank the Almighty for His constant love, concern, protection and divine providence on our journey to social transformation and holistic development. May I also take this opportunity to thank Rev. Fr Provincial and his Administration, our benefactors and sponsors, partners and well-wishers, stakeholders and beneficiaries, collaborators and friends, each and every one of you, for the unconditional support, constant encouragement, patient accompaniment and above all, for helping us in reaching out to many more people in different parts of Northeast India. I would like to place on record my appreciation and thankfulness to the ever faithful and selflessly committed Staff of FAsCE India for their commendable service and joyful availability.

As we welcome the New Year 2018, I look forward to your continued support and encouragement, collaboration and cooperation, accompaniment and prayers. Let us join our hands together and march forward to touch the hearts and bring light to the lives of the people, especially, the poor, the less fortunate and the marginalized lots of the society. Let us do what we can, with what we have and where we are. Wish you all a bright, prosperous and grace-filled New Year 2018!

Fr (Dr) Saji George Puthiyakulangara MSFS Executive Director, FAsCE India

Inauguration of New Supplementary Education Centere at Ekrabari

Children's Representatives at Assam Secretariat

Strengthening of Children's Parliament at SOS Children's Village

Outing to State Planetarium for FAsCE Supplementary Education Centre, Narengi

Youth Leadership and Development Programme at Guwahati

All Siang District Youth Convention at Aalo

Seminar Cum Training for Leaders at Kaying

Distribution of Relief Support at Bordoibam

Training by Visiting Community Resource Persons from Andhra Pradesh

Exposure Visit to FAsCE India SHGs

Jyoti Self Help Group celebrates 12th Foundation Day

Supply of Multivitamin Tablets at Amsing Jorabat

FAsCE India joins NULM-GMC for Swachh Mission

Clean Village Campaign at Thingbakhullen

Social Work for the Chi ldren at Thingbakhullen

Reflection: TISS MSW Interns

Office Updates

Success Story

World Food Day Observed

Blind Walk on World Sight Day

Children's Day Celebrations

Pre-christmas Celebration

Promoting Progress Through Mobility

A New Lease of Life for St. Joseph's Primary Health Centre, Manikbond

Children's Convention at Manikbond

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PROMOTION OF CHILD RIGHTS Inauguration of New Supplementary Education Centere at Ekrabari

Fransalian Agency for Social Care and Education in India (FAsCE India) inaugurated its sixth Supplementary Education Centre at Ekrabari village in Panikhaiti area on November 12, 2017. The new centre was inaugurated by Fr Saji George, Executive Director of FAsCE India in the presence of Fr Clean Arengh, Associate Director, Ms. Regina B. Sereng, Programme Coordinator and Ms. Chaya Kalita, Women's Coordinator of FAsCE India and village leaders. Speaking on the occasion, the Executive Director, emphasized the importance of school education in the life of a child and highlighted the aims and objectives of Supplementary Education Centres. The objectives of the project are to offer academic guidance and support to the children; to foster intellectual, physical, moral, and social development; to provide hand-holding support for successful completion of their schooling; and to prevent child labour and school dropouts. The solemn occasion was marked by the lighting of the lamp and beautiful cultural dances by the children and youth of the village. Study kits

were distributed to the children. There are 112 children already enrolled in the centre in the age group of 5 - 14 years. Among them 90% are school-going and 10% are out-of-school children, there are three teachers appointed for the centre. The regular classes are held from Monday to Saturday from 3 to 5 PM. The initiative by FAsCE India was applauded by the people, especially the parents as their children will

receive much needed academic support, motivation and guidance in their studies.

Children's Representatives at Assam Secretariat

Master Aryan Purbey, Miss Hafija Khatun, Miss Nurnahar Siddika and Master Champak Rajbangshi represented the FAsCE India Supplementary Education Centre in the Interaction Programme held on World Children's Day, November 20, 2017 in the Central Hall of Assam Legislative Assembly. This interaction programme, which was initiated by UNICEF and coordinated by Adolescent and Child Rights Network, Assam, gave an opportunity for the adolescents who were part of the development of Adolescents and Children's Agenda for Assam to take up the issues concerning the children in the state. More than 100 children from across Assam handed over an agenda to Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami in the presence of other MLAs, requesting them to take steps for protection and welfare of children in the state. During the interaction, the Speaker assured the students that he would try to have a special discussion on child rights in the Assembly in the future. Miss Nurnahar and Master Aryan from FAsCE India Supplementary Education Centre, Narengi presented a poster depicting the issue of nutrition and the education scenario of the state respectively.

Strengthening of Children's Parliament at SOS Children's Village

A capacity building training program on Strengthening of Children's Parliament was organized by SOS Children's Village Borjhar in collaboration with FAsCE India for the Children of Rani Village on December 13, 2017. 38 leaders from Children's Parliament participated in the capacity building training programme. The resource person, Ms. Chaya Kalita, Women's Coordinator of FAsCE India, conducted the sessions based on leadership and group dynamics. The sessions were animated through games and group activities. In an interactive session Master Aryan Purbey from FAsCE India Supplementary Education Centre, Narengi, a participant of Adolescent and Child Rights Network, Assam and UNICEF Children's Manifesto, shared his experiences of leadership and participation at the regional level forum for children.

Outing to State Planetarium for FAsCE Supplementary Education Centre, Narengi

October 29, 2017, was a memorable day for the children of FAsCE India Supplementary Education Centre, Narengi. 85 children from the higher and middle section went for an outing accompanied by FAsCE India Head Office Team and the teachers of the Supplementary Centere. The team had a bus ride from SFS Hr. Sec. School to the State Planetarium in Latasil. The excitement was seen on the faces of the children as it was for the first time they were visiting the planetarium. After the informative and exciting show of 45 minutes on the solar system the group was taken for a short trip to the Brahmaputra river bank in Uzanbazar. The outing culminated with sumptuous meal at Panbazar and a group photo session.

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EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTH THROUGH CAPACITY BUILDING

Youth Leadership and Development Programme at Guwahati

Around hundred deputed youth from the MSFS Centres across North East India participated in the Youth Leadership and Development Programme to mark the celebration of the MSFS Year of Education and Social Apostolate and Innovative Ministry organized in collaboration with Fransalian Youth Mission, held from December 07-10, 2017. The three days conference included workshops on faith dimensions of an adult life, cultural identity, motivation, leadership, path of purpose, self-esteem, complacency and being self-driven.

Mr. Victor Carpenter (ACS Retd.), Chief Guest on the first day, in his keynote address set the pace for the forum by encouraging youth to pursue their dreams, to value education, to share what they learn with others and also about the

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importance of education and the social ills that sometimes get in the way of success such as drugs, alcohol, and suicide. "Be respectful and remember that education is very important," said the Chief Guest.

The programme aimed at empowering the youth across Northeast India through education and leadership. The goals of the conference included: Empowering youth with leadership skills and community involvement, encouraging youth to pursue and complete higher education, and emphasized culture, community, values, and resilience. The well qualified resource persons challenged the youth to reach their educational goals with their inspiring talks and sessions.

Most Rev. John Moolachira, the Archbishop of Guwahati, encouraged the youth to find an answer to the single most important question of their lives: What I am for? The participants were given certificate of participation by Rev. Fr George Panthanmackel, Provincial Superior and President of FAsCE India, in the presence of Fr Saji George, Clean Arengh, John Barman and Praveen Kumbattu and others. FAsCE India appreciates the service of the organizational team headed by Fr John Barman.

All Siang District Youth Convention At Aalo

FAsCE India in collaboration with the Fransalian Youth Mission and SFS College Aalo organized a three days "All Siang District Fransalian Youth Convention" on the theme: "Sent; Serve, Endure, Nurture, Teach" from November 17-19, 2017 at SFS College, Aalo, Arunachal Pradesh. The Convention was inaugurated by the Secretary to the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Michael Kamki, who in his inaugural exhortation emphasized "the Future of Arunachal Church depends on the educational and spiritual exposure and strength of the youth of Arunachal. "

205 youngsters from 7 centers participated in the well-organized and meticulously

planned convention. The participants were involved in various activities like group discussion, community game etc. The resource persons from various fields, headed by Fr John Barman, Director of Fransalian Youth Mission, exhorted the youth to realize the importance of being good, educated and effective leaders of the society. Most Rev. John Thomas, Bishop of Itanagar and Chief Guest on the occasion of the Inter Parish Cultural competition on the second day, appealed the youth to live a good and authentic Christian life. We express our sincere gratitude Fr. John Barman and Fr Vipin George, the Zonal Fransalian Youth Animator, for the tremendous hard work put in to make the program a successful one.

Seminar Cum Training for Leaders at Kaying

A Seminar cum Training Programme was organized by FAsCE India for the lay leaders of the seven MSFS centres of Siang Districts, Arunachal Pradesh at Holy Redeemer Retreat Centre, Kaying from November 19-23, 2017. The training was conducted under the theme "Empowering Lay Leaders for Effective Evangelization in Arunachal Pradesh". Rev. Fr Varghese Paul Manickathan, Parish Priest of St Joseph Parish, Kaying, in his welcome address highlighted the significance and the methodology of the Seminar cum Workshop. Rev. Fr John Barman, Director of Fransalian Youth Mission, inaugurated the training programme by lighting the lamp. The aim of the training was to equip and empower the leaders more intensively and effectively for their ministry. The various sessions were animated by Frs Varghese Paul, Bernard Sangma, John Barman and Ajit Daimary. A total number of 55 leaders from various centres of Arunachal Pradesh benefited from the programme.

DISTRIBUTION OF RELIEF SUPPORT AT BORDOIBAM

Relief Supplies were distributed to 88 flood affected families at Bordoibam Village under Bordolonoi Block, Dhemaji District on December 9, 2017 by FAsCE India in collaboration with Christ King Parish, Gogamukh. Rev. Fr Cornelius Bara, Parish Priest of Christ King Parish, Gogamukh along with Mr. Rajesh Tudu, facilitated the distribution of the relief support. As per the survey conducted, there were 88 families in Bordorbam Village who were worst affected by the severe flood in the month of July. The relief support of blankets to each family came as a respite, especially at the onset of winter for the people who had lost their homes and all their belongings. The villagers expressed their gratitude to FAsCE India and Christ King Parish, Gogamukh for their collaborative effort towards the progress and development of their village and solidary with the victims of the flood.

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Training by Visiting Community Resource Persons from Andhra Pradesh

A touring team of Community Resource Persons from Andhra Pradesh, conducted a two day capacity building programme for FAsCE India SHGs of Patharquary and Geetamandir from November 22-23, 2017. The Resource Persons were facilitated by Assam State Urban Livelihood Mission, Lakhtokia, Guwahati. During the capacity building programme, the resource team conducted quiz based on objectives of Self Help Groups and various income generating activities. Through the means of creative games, marketing strategies for selling SHG products were brought home. Seven active SHGs of Partharquary and Geetamandir participated in the well conducted and informative training programme.

Exposure Visit to FAsCE India SHGs

An exposure visit of Family Strengthening Programme (FSP) Caregivers under Mekurikuchi cluster, Rani of SOS FSP Guwahati was organized by Ms. Chitralekha Gogoi, Senior Co-worker, FSP of SOS Children's Village, Guwahati on November 13, 2017. The main objective of the visit was to strengthen the knowledge and skills of the caregivers to increase their source of income and lead to a sustainable livelihood. 27 FSP Caregivers visited the successful SHG at Amsing Jorabat under FAsCE India, Guwahati.

"Ms. Chaya Kalita from FAsCE India, guided us and took us to the SHGs who are undertaking various Income Generating Activities of chair weaving, handicraft, weaving, petty shop, etc. The group activities are successful and they have a very good market linkage. The FSP caregivers had a very good interaction and sharing with the members of these SHGs and they are motivated to see the group activities done by these SHGs at Amsing Jorabat. I thank Fr. Saji George, the Executive Director of FAsCE, India for giving us the platform to interact with the FAsCE SHGs" said Ms. Chitralekha Gogoi, Senior Co-worker FSP, SOS.

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PROMOTION OF HEALTH AND PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT Supply of Multivitamin Tablets at Amsing Jorabat

FAsCE India in collaboration with Vitamin Angels, a nonprofit organization delivering lifesaving vitamins to mothers and children under five years of age at-risk of malnutrition worldwide, distributed multivitamin capsules to 30 beneficiaries on November 24, 2017 at Amsing Jorabat, Assam. Prior to the distribution Mrs. Angelina Lakra, a trained nurse, explained about the supplements, its benefits and dosages to the pregnant and lactating women. The multiple micronutrients for pregnant and lactating women were introduced to FAsCE India this year. At the end of the distribution programme Ms. Chaya Kalita expressed her gratitude to the volunteers and Mrs. Angelina for their assistance in conducting the distribution.

FAsCE India joins NULM-GMC for Swachh Mission

On October, 8 2017 FAsCE India SHGs and children of FAsCE Supplementary Education Centre, Narengi, jointly initiated a cleanliness drive at Basanti Bazar Satgaon, contributing their bit towards Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in collaboration with National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) under Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Lakhtokia. The cleanliness drive with an awareness talk by Fr. Clean Arengh MSFS, Associate Director, FAsCE India and Mr. Binod Kamn, Community Organizer, GMC highlighted on the community participation in keeping the surroundings and neighbourhood clean. The cleanliness drive was carried out from 08:30 AM to 11:00 AM; the participants of the drive were served light refreshments at the end.

Jyoti Self Help Group celebrates 12th Foundation Day

A grand program was organized by Jyoti Self Help Group to mark its 12th foundation day on November 5, 2017. Jyoti SHG is part of FAsCE India's Women Empowerment and SHG programme. Since its inception on November 5, 2005, Jyoti group has been very actively involved in the development and social transformation. It has its membership in the Amsing Jorabat SHG Federation and the monthly group activities are conducted regularly. The members of this SHG have taken up various income generating activities as per their aptitude. At present the group is engaged in chair weaving, pig-rearing, handicraft and making of decorative items. Mrs. Deepali Mukerjee, the president of the group, is taking the group forward through participation at the state level livelihood programmes and block level SHG schemes. Fr. Saji George, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and exhorted the members to become agents of social transformation through hard work and collective effort. The other invited guests, Mr. Jayanta Baruah, Director of Foundation for Skill Development, Mrs. Namita Aabang, Community Resource Person for Amsing Jorabat from NRLM Chandrapur Block and Ms. Chaya Kalita from FAsCE India, appreciated the group for their hard work, determination and leadership and also extolled their growth as an active group in the last twelve years of its existence. During the colorful cultural programme the President of the group shared the journey of Jyoti SHG and its success stories.

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REFLECTION: TISS MSW INTERNSThree MSW students, Nibha Deka, Swarnashree Das and Arupjyoti Teron, from TATA Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati were placed on block fieldwork for a month from October 8 to November 9, 2017 at FAsCE India. They share their experience of having been exposed to various avenues of social work.

Platform to learn and practice: "FAsCE India provided me an excellent platform to learn and practice social work theory in the field. Through baseline surveys I got a glimpse of the problems faced by people of remote areas. Teaching and associating with the children at FAsCE India Supplementary Education Centre has helped me to deal with the students of different age group. I also got the privilege to participate in the event organized on the occasion of World Food Day and World Blind Day". Nibha Deka, MSW 1st Semester

Opportunity to gather knowledge: "FAsCE India takes up developmental works in different fields which gave me exposure and opportunity to gather knowledge about a diverse set of fields. I got opportunities to participate in different awareness programs organized by the organization and learnt about 'awareness about things' can make a lot of difference and help to make situations better. I feel incredibly fortunate of getting a chance to work in such an organization which has helped me to develop not only as a professional but also as a person." Swarnashree Das, MSW 1st Semester

Opening to diverse field: "My one month of field work at FAsCE India was very memorable. During this I learned a lot. Things we learned in the classroom were quite different in the field. One must be ready to face any difficulty that arise in the field. We got a chance to work in diverse field. Through this field work I realized the need of intervention by social workers in the rural areas, pertaining to various issues such as education, health care, road linkage, water facilities, sanitation and many more. FAsCE India in this regard is doing a great work in uplifting the various communities."- Auropjyoti Teron, MSW 1st Semester

Clean Village Campaign at Thingbakhullen

The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of our Nation, was celebrated in a fitting manner by the Self Help Group members at Thingbakhullen. The SHGs commemorated the Gandhi Jayanti with a "Clean Village Campaign" on October 2, 2017. The members repaired the village road and worked hard to keep the surroundings neat and clean.

Social Work for the Children at Thingbakhullen

The children of the Supplementary Education Centre at Thingbakhllen observed the Gandhi Jayanti by taking up a day of social work. Besides, promoting and facilitating the education of the children through Supplementary Education Centres, FAsCE India tries to inculcate social values to the children through various programmes and activities. The children are given ample opportunities to holistic development. The children from the Supplementary Education Centre happily observed a day of social work to honour the father of the nation. Sr Liseena, the Coordinator, animated the children.

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NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONL DAY CELEBRATIONS

World Food Day Observed

FAsCE India collaborated with Community Food and Nutrition Extension Unit, Guwahati (Govt. of India) to observe the World Food Day at Amsing Jorabat on October 16, 2017. FAsCE India SHGs from Amsing Jorabat took active part in the programme. Fr. Saji George, inaugurating the day, highlighted the significance of healthy living. Mr. Anupam Dutta, Senior Faculty member, SIRD,Khanapara, enlightened the members about food, nutrition and various schemes of the government related to Self Help groups. Mrs. Ishita Adhikary Patra, Demonstration Officer of Food and Nutrition Board Min. of WCD Govt. of India, spoke about the importance of types of healthy food, handwashing and

conducted a quiz on food and nutrition and the winners were awarded prizes. An exhibition on health and nutrition marked the day all the more special and colorful. The day's activity came to an end with the planting of the fruit saplings.

Office Updates

* Fr. Clean Arengh MSFS, Associate Director, attended the State Level Consultation on Mental Health and Substance Abuse organized by MATRI group, Guwahati at Cotton University Auditorium on October 6, 2017.

* Ms. Regina B. Sereng, Programme Coordinator participated in the Event Management Training Programme held at Social Forum from October 10-12, 2017. The training was on concept, planning, and management skill to conduct purposeful programmes and events.

* Fr. Clean Arengh MSFS and Ms. Chaya Kalita took part in the Workshop on Capacity Building and Strategic Planning Exercise conducted by Adolescent and Child Rights Network, Assam from October 30-31, 2017.

SUCCESS STORY

Mrs. Nirabati Roy, an active social worker, President of Mohini Self Help Group and President of Nabajagriti Federation under the care of FAsCE India and Community Resource Person of Guwahati Municipal Ward no. 24 was recipient of Dr. Ambedkar Award 2017. Mrs. Roy was accoladed with the national award for Best Social Worker. She was nominated by Abhibhakta Kamrup Lok Sahitya Manch for her contribution to the Geetamandir community and ward area towards women empowerment and livelihood activities. The award ceremony was held on November 9, 2017 at Panchsheel Ashram, New Delhi. Hearty Congratulations!

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Children's Day Celebrations

Keeping up the tradition, this year too FAsCE India celebrated the Children's Day with pomp and gaiety in three of its Supplementary Education Centres; Ekrabari, Bongaon and Narengi; and at the community level at Amsing Jorabat and Hatisila. The day's programmes displayed variety, beauty and talents. At the community level, Children's Day celebration was held on November 11 at Amsing Jorabat and on November 14 at Hatisila. And at the central level it was held on November 12 at Narengi, in which Rev. Fr Philip Thomas, Admonitor and Provincial Councillor In-charge of Mission graced the occasion as Chief Guest, on November 18 at Ekabari and on November 19 at Bongaon. The programmes included variety of cultural performances like dances, songs, speeches and thematic skits.

Blind Walk on World Sight Day

World Sight Day (WSD) is an annual day of awareness held to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. It is the most important advocacy and communications event on the eye health calendar and a great time to engage with the world at large. A 'Blind Walk' was organized in Guwahati on October 12, 2017 on the occasion of World Sight Day. On this occasion FAsCE India joined hands with more than 20 likeminded NGOs under the banner of Project Vision to raise awareness among the public and encourage eye donations. In the event over 50 visually challenged people led over 300 blind folded people. The Walk was flagged off from Food Villa near Cotton University, Panbazar and concluded at Don Bosco School, Pnabazar with mesmerizing cultural programmes by the visually impaired persons.

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Pre-christmas Celebration

FAsCE India head office celebrated Pre-Christmas on December 22, 2017 with Rev. Fr. George Panthanmackel MSFS, President of FAsCE India and Provincial of MSFS North East Province. During the gathering Fr. Provincial blessed the Christmas Crib and shared Christmas joy and greetings with sweets and cake. To add meaning to this season of festivity on 23 December 2017, the FAsCE India Head Office Team along with Mr. Ajeesh Mathew, Accountant had a day of gratitude and prayer at the Divine Retreat Centre, Khetri.

PROMOTING PROGRESS THROUGH MOBILITY

Promoting Progress is the motto of FAsCE India. Free mobility facilitates swifter implementation of the projects. A Christmas gift in the form of a new vehicle (Sumo Gold) for FAsCE India added joy and flavor to the celebration of Christmas and conclusion of the year 2017. The new vehicle was blessed on December 22, 2017 by Rev. Fr George Panthanmackel, President of FAsCE India and Provincial of MSFS Northeast India Province in the presence of Fr Jose Karipadathu, the the Regional Superior of MSFS Dibrugarh Region and the , the FAsCE India Head Office Team, fathers from Provincial and Regional Administration, and fathers from MSFS Provincialate. FAsCE India gratefully acknowledges the financial support of MIVA Swiss for the new vehicle of FAsCE India.

Founder Director of FAsCE India, Fr. Emmaunuel Mappilaparambil, Former Director of FAsCE India

The longest life is not always the best.

The best is that which has been best

spent in th service of God.

St. Francis de Sales

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A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR ST. JOSEPH'S PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE, MANIKBOND

St. Joseph's Primary Health Centre, a sister concern of Seva Kendra, Manikbond under FAsCE India received a new lease of life after the visit of Rev. Sr Sneha and the Provincial of Sisters of Destitute, Kerala Province. The Primary Health centre was virtually non-functional due to lack of qualified doctors. The two-member commission was sent to study the possibility of reviving the centre and collaborating with the fathers at Manikbond. The commission made every effort to collect the available data and had a fruitful interaction withthe staff and the people of the Health Centre,Manikbond. They had also an initial discussion with Most Rev. Stephen Rotlunga, the Bishop of Aizawl. The commission was very positive about thecollaboration with St. Joseph's Primary Health Centre at Manikbond. Rev. Fr Abraham Puthenpurackel, the Local

Director of FAsCE India initiated and facilitated the meeting. The positive response of the Sisters of Destitute is a new lease of life for the Mission Centre at Manikbond.

CHILDREN'S CONVENTION AT MANIKBOND

St. Joseph's Centre at Manikbond organized Children's convention through October 6-8, 2017. The three days programme included input sessions on various topics, variety entertainment programmes, cultural events, sports, games etc. 350 participated in the mega event organized under the leadership of Rev. Fr Abraham Puthenpurackel, the Local Director of FAsCE India at Manikbond.

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For private circulation only: Published by Fr Saji George MSFS; Managing Editor: Fr Clean Arengh MSFS; Associate Editors : Ms Regina Sereng & Miss Chaya Kalita

Contact us: 0361-2647867; [email protected]; [email protected]://www.facebook.com/fasceindianortheast; Website: www.fasceindia.com

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