For Kurnool bishop, India’s future rests on jobs and education for young people
Kurnool (AsiaNews) – Mgr Anthony Poola, bishop of Kurnool, in the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh, spoke to AsiaNews about his diocese’s work. For him, what Christians do "can guarantee young people a better future.” The “future of children and the life of the Christian community” depend on it.
“In India,” the prelate explained, “we try to instil the Christian view of society, teach the Gospel, and show concern for human existence, i.e. we try to show how to become good human beings, respect women, and value others.” At the same time, Christians play a fundamental role in maintaining an atmosphere “of peaceful coexistence between religions."
Bishop Poola was ordained in 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI. His diocese was created in 1967 through the efforts of French Jesuits, already in the region since the late 18th century, and the missionaries Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME).
The diocese itself is home to 8 million people mostly Hindus, with about 80,000 Catholics (1 per cent). India’s Catholics are 2 per cent of the country’s population. Pastoral outreach, youth education and social services for the disabled, widows and women dominate the diocese’s work.
“The diocese can rely on 77 priests and 25 community organisers spread out over 53 parishes, which cover 300 villages, each of with at least one catechist. Through their pastoral outreach based on the New Mission programme, all of them – priests, nuns, catechists and leaders – carry out religious activities and help out local Christian communities.”
Most Catholics are involved in farming and thus lack the means to send their children to school. Hence, the Catholic Church set up the Diocesan Educational Society of Kurnool, which collects food and donations for poor families. "With the money we raise,” he said, “we can buy school supplies, books, uniforms, and fund schools (pictured).”
Mgr Poola is pleased with the diocese’s work (see video) and very proud of what the Christian community can do "because the future of children depends on it."
He knows however, from personal experience, how important the help is, because he himself benefited from the aid provided by the missionaries, which allowed him to study and finish school.
Unquestionably, “it is crucial to help the kids,” he said. Otherwise, “without our support they might end up working in the fields, stores, restaurants or in homes as domestics."
Through the Kurnool Diocese Social Service Society, the Catholic Church helps disadvantaged groups as well. Our “first goal is to eradicate the scourge of child labour. Children often drop out of school because they do not like to study, but often because they are forced to work.” Instead, “we must send them to school to ensure them a better future."
Women are another group at risk. For them, "We have a programme called 'Income Generation Program' to improve their living conditions.” Since few job opportunities or drought often keep women unemployed for five or six months a year, “We have given them money to buy a cow or a buffalo to produce milk for family consumption or sale.” In other cases, “we have provided them with a goat to raise and resell. This way they can make a living.”
The diocese has also targeted teenage girls (14to 18 years). "Parents try not to send them to school or large cities because they could meet and marry young men. To prevent them from marrying too young as a way of poverty, we teach them some trades, like sewing and embroidery. We also offer them basic nursing courses, by which they can learn the basics of First Aid."
For boys and young men, aged 14 to 20 years, "we have technical courses, through which they can learn the job of carpenter or machinist. Thanks to our work in early age education, many young people have embarked on successful careers. Some girls have become teachers, or work in banks. The diocese,” he said, “is a tool that guarantees them a better future."
Although “we give boys and girls a people-oriented education through the catechism and vocational training, we can do more. By drawing more poor people, the relationship between the Christian community and majority Hindus and Buddhists is better than in other areas of the country."
Despite "conflicts with the fanatics in the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, and right-wing Hindu extremist Shiv Sena, the presence of a strong Christian community has prevented sectarian strife. Christians create an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence."
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29/05/2022 21:22
31/12/2022 08:55
