In April, the Nari Dana Production Centre welcomed visitors from Canada – Kevin Dixon, the Vice-President of Operations at International Justice Mission Canada, a global organization dedicated to protecting the poor from violence throughout the developing world.
Author: Karen Laister
A trip to the zoo
Andy Foulds, studying for a degree in Working with Young People and Communities at Derby University, chose CRS for the professional placement part of the course.
During his time in Kolkata, he led a trip to the zoo one day with 15 children from 3 different CRS centres. The intention was to create an informal learning environment where the young people could gain inspiration to draw some pictures of animals later. And he was bowled over by the quality of art that the children produced!
Inaugration of Nari Dana Production Centre
The Nari Dana Production Centre was officially opened on 20 October 2017. The Nari Dana project, CRS’s social enterprise, which employs slum women trained in sewing and embroidery to make products for sale in India and overseas, has been gathering momentum over the last few years.
There is now a dedicated space for the women to make their products, equipped with a set of new sewing machines thanks to financial support from the German Consulate of Kolkata.
The inauguration started with an opening prayer by Rev Nigel Pope, Presbyter of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Vice Chairman of CRS. Mr. Jürgen Thomas Schrod, the Deputy Consul General from the German Consulate then assisted Rev Pope in cutting the ribbon to open the centre.
This was followed by a traditional lamp lighting ceremony by the guests and members of CRS Executive Committee, signifying the ray of hope that Nari Dana brings to the lives of the women.
After Rev James Gomes, Assistant Presbyter of St Paul’s Cathedral, had blessed the new workspace, the women were delighted to show the guests a range of their products.
From Canada to Calcutta
Dr Andrea Mann, Director of Global Relations for the Anglican Church of Canada, made the long journey from Vancouver to Kolkata in in December. She visited CRS projects at Bibibagan, Pally Mangal and Dum Dum, as well as the Nari Dana production centre, to find out about the children’s and women’s empowerment programmes.
Annual Mega Children’s Day Carnival
Children from CRS’s Education Centres were treated to a day out on 26 November when the exclusive private school, La Martinere, opened its doors for the annual Mega Children’s Day Carnival. One hundred children from Sukantanagar, Bibibagan, Hastings and Topsia were selected to attend. They enjoyed food and games, and each received gifts.