Salesians hold event, address ongoing issues for those affected

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco College Sulthan Bathery and BREADS, the Salesian development office in Bangalore, India, hosted an event for people affected by the recent devastating landslides in Wayanad. Around 200 people who survived the landslide participated in the “We Are with You as You Move Forward” Onam celebrations. Onam is the Kerala state festival of harvest, prosperity, harmony and unity.

Father (Dr.) Shajan Noronha, principal of Don Bosco College, welcomed the gathering that featured teachers and students who facilitated performances, party games, and songs as a moment of joy for the people attending. Each attendee received a gift and everyone shared a meal.

Fr. Shajan emphasized that Don Bosco College, supported by BREADS, would provide free admission and any extra tuition to students from the affected regions. Archana Anil from the village of Mundakkai, one of those impacted, has been admitted to the Master of Social Work program with free tuition.

At the event, Father Jenson Variyath, Father George PS, executive director of BREADS, and Aneesh Chacko supported people as they shared their difficulties. While the government provided a fixed rental allowance and groceries for people, they still face issues such as payment of rent deficits, medical expenditures, and generating an income.

Most of the people impacted by the landslides had been casual laborers in the resorts or estates and are now unemployed. Tradesmen lost their tools and workers were struggling to cope. Works with more education are also now unemployed and looking opportunities.

BREADS looks to address these issues on a priority basis. The intervention will include professional psychological support for children and adults, alternative care for orphaned or abandoned children, capacity building for teachers about disaster preparedness, and follow-up to ensure people have their basic needs met. BREADS will also provide household items and assist in building houses while promoting income generation and employment activities to help people move forward.

After a month and a half of coping with the disaster on their own, people noted they were finally able to share joy and gratitude for being alive even through the sorrow of their current situations. On behalf of others, one of the survivors Samson said, “This gathering was a refresher, motivating me and my friends to move forward, facing all the ordeals that come our way.”

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – India – ‘We are With You as You Move Forward’: Celebrating Onam with landslide victims in Wayanad

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India