Tag Archive | KSSDS

Ecological Education for Sustainable Changes

KSSDS: On July 22nd, 2024, an engaging and informative session on ecological education was held for the students of Baidyanath Government Institution for Girls, Dum Dum. The session was conducted by Kolkata Salesian Sisters Development Society (KSSDS) coordinator Sr. Alma Bilung FMA, Sr. Anand Tirkey FMA and staff Miss Suzzane Shaw in collaboration with the Salesian co-operators Mr. Ashok Dolui and Mrs. Suchitra Gomes. The primary goal was to raise awareness about ecological issues and inspire students to take action for a sustainable future.

The students participated actively throughout the session. Various types of posters with vivid pictures were used to explain numerous ecological crises (global warming, pollution, deforestation, natural disasters) and their effects. The students were asked to depict the images and share them with the group. Later on, they were given detailed explanations of the depicted issues and discussed various steps that could be adopted to address the climate issues.

A significant focus of the session was on ‘litter lessto achieve the Laudato Si’ goal of ecological education. The interactive nature of the session helped students understand the importance of diminishing waste and adopting eco-friendly practices. Later on, the students formed action plans for their community, school, class, and homes such as reducing waste, adopting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and keeping indoor plants. They also expressed their ideas through drawings and written notes on chart paper.

The session was efficacious and created a strong sense of ecological awareness among the students. The students took a strong commitment to implement positive environmental changes in their daily lives, paving the way for a sustainable future.

The Kolkata Salesian Sisters Development Society Respond to the Cry of the Poor

FMA KOLKATA: The Kolkata Salesian Sisters Development Society (KSSDS) is dedicated to helping those in need, particularly the labourers of tea gardens in the Alipurduar and Darjeeling Districts. In the areas of Jaigaon and New Chumta, KSSDS runs 11 study centres that support 556 children of migrant workers. These children are provided with educational kits (uniforms, School bags, stationery, and game items) and daily snacks to address the nutritional gap that they had during the pandemic, this ensures the children have the resources they need for learning and proper nutrition. Additionally, some centres have formed NCP groups where children can express their opinions and learn about their rights.

To help families improve their income, KSSDS has given 250 families goats and pigs, along with training in animal husbandry. This helps families diversify their income sources. Women in these families have also received training on forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which promote financial independence and community support.

Beyond these efforts, KSSDS has trained 500 women from Dum Dum, Barasat, Jaigaon and Kalidham in various skills, including making handmade bags and jewellery, as well as producing floor cleaners. These skills provide new income opportunities, helping women improve their economic situation and gain independence.

In all these ways, KSSDS is making a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable communities. Through education and economic support, KSSDS is actively responding to the Cry of the Poor, contributing to a more just and sustainable future for all.

The “Life Skills Education” Training program

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The “Life Skills Education” Training program was conducted by Development Office on 29 March for NCP & Evening Coaching children of Kolkata zone. It was very satisfying, that all the centres and communities collaborated generously and so we were able to reach out 300 children from various centres.

The Objective of the life skill session was to give awareness and empower children with knowledge and skills required to build their self-esteem, assertiveness and abilities for adoptive and positive behaviour that enables individual to deal effectively the demands and challenges of everyday life.

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The programme commenced with the hymn to Jesus. After which Sr. Juliana the Vicar of the house welcomed all the participants in the name of the Superior. She encouraged and appreciated the children for their willing participation. Before the session there was ice breaking game organised by Sr. Alma Bilung the coordinator.  Children loved the game and were invigorated. This was followed by the session.Sr. Alma together with Miss Purinima Naskar animated the programme. They presented the programme through visual to make the session more lively and interested.  Though the topic was new children were very cooperative and attentive, which was observed in their spontaneous response and group work. It is a great achievement that we were able to reach out to big number of children who were from periphery. We believe, they have learnt and achieved something. The programme ended with sumptuous lunch. Thanks and God’s Blessings to all who were part of this successful event.

 

ASHALOY S.H.G. TRAINING PROGRAMME ON CUSHION MAKING

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A thirteen day training programme was organized by the KSSDS for the 30 SHG women of Barasat. The ladies were extra enthusiastic and energetic to begin their training on cushion making, which will bring in a very good source of income and to impart value based knowledge for their better health and happy living.

The training began with a symbolic prayer moments with prayer and bhajans, followed by offering all their instruments and the accessories required for the training to get the Divine blessings. Sr.Superior Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel, Sr.Leelamma the KSSDS Coordinator, Ms.Milli  Chatterjee and Mrs.Sarathy Mittro, the trainers and  Mrs.Regina representing the participants were called on to light  the Lamp after which Ms.Alphonsa KSSDS Staff read a passage from the Bible. The prayer moment was concluded by the valuable words of Sr.Leelamma.

The trainers, Ms.Milli and Ms.Sarathi took over the session immediately after the prayer moment and started to impart the knowledge of making a cushion. The women parted with the desire of coming back the next day to learn the next step of “cushion making”.

We thank NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) for supporting our training programme.

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NCP Mela

 Image      KSSDS: NCP Mela was held on 9th February, in Barasat from 2.00 pm, where about 200 children along with their parents had participated. Since this day was also celebrated as “Holy Child hood day”, the NCP Mela arranged for the children was more meaningful. The NCP Mela started with a prayer moment by Sr.Leelamma after which, the whole ground, which was decorated for the mela was made open to all the children, their parents and to all the other participants. The stalls, the games and the gifts were prepared by the staff, aspirants and the sisters.

The children purchased the coupons and participated in all the games arranged in the different stalls. They were happy to receive the prizes and the gifts from the different counters. The children enjoyed the games and were highly enthusiastic about the snacks, sweets, toys and the dolls available in the stalls.   The mela went on till 5 pm in the evening and all parted with joy filled hearts and a fresh mind as they were highly satisfied with the programe.

Sr.Lily Perumpettikunnel thanked all the participants for their active participation thereby making the day a success.

Ms. Rita Das

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“Soap” Making

Date: 25th September 2013

Venue: Auxilium Convent, Barasat

Resource Persons:  Mrs.Anjuara and Shajahan Hawk.

No. of participants: Thirty six women from Dum Dum, Barasat , Kalyani, Monsada & Gobra.

The seventh day of training was about making of Soap, which started at 11.00 a.m with the trainers namely Mrs. Anjuara and Shajahan Hawk.

The ladies were quite attentive and with the time they grew more curious to be more knowledgeable. Soap is widely used daily in all our homes and communities, so they were extra enthusiastic to learn well.  All were happy to make a cake of soap each and returned with great joy and sense of having accomplished something great.

Reported by Sr. Leelamma P.

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Making of “Phenyle”

Date: 24th September 2013

Venue: Auxilium Convent, Barasat

Resource Person:  Mrs.Anjuara and Shajahan Hawk.

No. of participants:  Thirty six women from Dum Dum, Barasat , Kalyani, Monsada & Gobra.

 

On the sixth day of training  there was more enthusiasm than the other days because they were ready to learn the process of making phenyl, which is a must in all the offices, schools and houses. 

The trainers first introduced themselves and explained the advantages of using phenyl. They said that using of phenyl reduces the risks of bacteria and other germs in the houses, offices and schools.

The day ended after a theoretical discussion and recapitulation of their practical knowledge received from the trainers.

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PAPER BAGS

Resource Persons:  Mrs. Anurupa Gyne & Mr. Amiyo Gyne.

 No. of participants:  36 women from Dum Dum, Barasat,  Kalyani  & Gobra.

 

A gift is a gift… but when given in a beautiful bag its delicacy doubles.

Dear friends today we had training on Eco friendly paper bags, how to prepare it. Since being eco friendly a very good substitute for plastic bags which are menaces to our society today.

The steps included in this are basically folding in correct measurement and then sticking the correct parts together but the most important part is the bottom of the bag which needs a lot of accuracy in measurement.

On this day, the ladies were extremely enthusiastic and made more than one bag to bring perfection in their work.

It was educative and a very useful training for the ladies.

Reported by Sr. Leelamma P.

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Screen Printing

Training – 4th Day

Screen Printing

Date:  21st September 2013

Resource Persons:  Mr. Mir & Mr. Laltu Poddar

No. of participants:  36 women

“The mechanism of screen printing is quite easy for women as it does not require much of physical strength, electricity or any machines”, said the trainer Mr. Mir as he started the day. It was indeed an interesting topic at the same time, one need to invest time and alertness to carry out the task efficiently. All the thirty six participants had the opportunity to set their hands on the frame and print on a paper.  All returned home with great plans in their hearts and minds.

Reported by Sr. Leelamma P.

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