From Unrest to Empowerment

In Manipur, India, a rising tide of political and religious violence has devastated the lives of many - leaving vulnerable youth prone to join the fighting, and women and young girls facing humiliating abuse and exploitation. In response, Sr. Remya and her fellow Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy were moved to act. With help from an SRW grant, they rescued 25 youth from the violence of Manipur and brought them to the St. Joseph Seva Sadan Community College. There, the Sisters provided food, shelter, emotional support and job training. Upon completion of their training, the Sisters were able to instantly match them with jobs, thanks to their network of employers.

Sanjitha is one of Sr. Remya's students. The eldest of seven children, she dropped out of school at age 10. The daughter of migrants, her family lived in abject poverty with no hope for a brighter future. Thanks to her stay at the community college, she was transformed. Once reserved and lacking confidence, Sanjitha is now vibrant and outgoing. She receives a steady income from her job and is able to support herself and her family. Today, she is an inspiration to her younger siblings.

"These youth, who were once vulnerable to violence, drug abuse and exploitation now have hope and strive for accomplishment," Sr. Remya reports. Thank you to our donors, for helping Sisters around the world empower young women like Sanjitha with the skills they need to thrive.