BIS #1929 TEACHING TO FISH - A COMMUNITY CARE CENTRE PROJECT

Francis D’souza
VIRAR, JULY 19, 2010: The Society of St Vincent De Paul serves the poor by providing food grain, school fees and medicines. Some SVP members felt that this approach makes the people dependent. This gave birth to a new idea – teach the people to fish.

On Sunday, July 18 Fr. Anthony Santarita, the rector of Bosco Boys Home came to enlighten and guide the members of the SVP and the community Care Centre (CCC) in this regard. The CCC has taken up the project of assisting the SVP in teaching the poor to fish. They have chalked out a plan of helping the poor families to acquire a job through placements. Those who lack skills will be given training so that they too can stand on their own feet. After a brief discussion with Fr. Anthony, the group narrowed down on some courses which will help the poor to acquire a job – home nursing, hospitality, beauticians, electrical and tailoring.
The CCC has thirteen members and all of them are very enthusiastic. They are keen to help every poor family to gain self-respect by making them stand on their own feet rather than stretching their hands for help.