a)      CENTRE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY

This year 2008, we have established a Centre for Social Ministry at Villupuram. This is framed to facilitate the development interventions for Thurumbars, Gypsies and Tribals. This will act as a resource center for the province in enhancing the services for these marginalized communities. At present this centre is located in a rented house at Villupuram. A team of Salesians are appointed to carry out the functions of this centre.

Social imbalances were created and sustained by the section of people in the authority to sustain their power and dominance pass on to their decedents. Through the power and intelligence they have described the society to its present stature. However to reverse the society back to the equalitarian is a lengthy and hard process which necessitates investment of resources of both knowledge and material. 

The Salesian Province of Chennai having a deep passion towards this people has understood the need for special care. Thus ‘The Institute of Social Ministry’ was initiated to focus the attention of the province towards the empowerment and animation of the marginalized communities under one umbrella. The Institute will act as a subsidiary of SURABI in enhancing the lives of the poor marginalized with the base in Villupuram the central district of our intervention area.  This Institute of Social Ministry will be responsible for the execution of all developmental activities towards marginalized communities.

Rev. Fr. Francis Bosco SDB was appointed as the director with a council to work with him. They will plan and execute sustainable activities along with SURABI ensuring the community participation. The Social Ministry will concentrate over the sustainable development of the communities such as Tribals, Gypsies, Thurumbars, Dalits and rural poor.

Objectives of the Institution:

·         To cater special care for the under privileged

·         Enhance sustainable development through Educational empowerment of the children of these communities.

·         Formal and non formal technical education of the school dropouts in these communities.

·         Rights education and capacity building of the communities for social up-gradation.

·         Develop a future generation with no class or caste differentiation

Proposed Initiatives:

·         School education program for all children.

·         Boarding facilities for the poor children who lack proximity of schools.

·         Support in Higher education for the youth.

·         Self Help Group formation and Income generation programs through thrift and savings.

·         Rights education and capacity building of communities for communal life.

·         Improved participation of these communities in the local Government.