Challenges for migrants include stable employment, housing and safety

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Rajahmundry, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, are working to address the challenges that migrant workers face. Salesians recently held an event with Father Francis Bosco, coordinator of pastoral care for migrants in South Asia, who spoke about the issues and stressed the role of organizations in bringing these problems to the attention of the government.

The event was organized thanks to the collaboration between People’s Action for Rural Awakening, Women and Child-Friendly Rajahmundry and Don Bosco for Migrants.

A Salesian explained, “The goal of the event was to make sure that migrant workers have what they need. During the event, there was discussion about the launch of awareness-raising programs for migrant workers and posting useful phone numbers in very busy places, such as train stations and bus stops. We also discussed measures that have already been taken to ensure the well-being of workers and the commitment to collaborate with organizations to solve any problem that migrant workers face.”

Much of the population in India is under age 35 and is looking for work wherever they can find it. This often leads to internal migration to larger cities. These youth become laborers, drivers or helpers in shops and domestic labor. Many are from the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states, where populations are rising faster than elsewhere in the country.

Salesians are working in Rajahmundry and in cities across India to provide support and services for young migrants who face challenges in finding stable work, housing, food, health care and safety.

India’s youth also face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

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

ANS – India – A consultation programme in support of migrant workers

People’s Action for Rural Awakening

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India