Training at all levels so the dignity of those encountered
may be enhanced
India
46 sisters in 12 communities
A country that is multicultural, multitraditional and multilingual
Christianity represents a small minority, 2-3% of the population and is not respected in most regions
Challenges – to proclaim the meaning of life and to witness to another way of life, to work at rectifying social injustice even within the Church
Sisters’ main work – education to confront the problem of illiteracy, the promotion and advancement of women (needlework centres and organisations) pastoral work (meetings, retreats, especially for young people), hostels for children, being with the poorest
Myanmar
121 sisters in 26 communities. A country with an oppressive military regime – corruption, abuse of power, disrespect for human rights
Challenges – to be in solidarity with the people in their daily lives by sharing their insecurity, fear and anxiety, to encourage sincerity, honesty, justice and respect for human rights, to promote peace, to update a traditional church
Sisters’ main work – dispensaries, hostels for children, orphanages, accommodation for elderly women, nursery classes, hostel for young working women, private tutoring, to be in solidarity with the oppressed
Philippines
A delegation of Burma
10 sisters in 3 communities – A Catholic country with many poor people
Challenges – social inequality, insecurity, corruption; need for human and religious training
Sisters’ main work – religious broadcasting service, education, parish work and dispensaries, and courses in needlework to upgrade the economic situation of women
Thailand
A delegation of the General Government
19 sisters in 4 communities – Less than 1% Christian, the Church is committed to service of the poor, and rectifying social problems
Challenges – slums, exploitation of women and children, prostitution, drug trafficking, unemployment, street children
Sisters’ main work – education with a social dimension, hostel for young girls, parish work, and dispensary