A Care center for Migrant and Domestic workers

      History   

            On Sunday, 1^st July 2001 an office for the care of migrant and domestic workers was inaugurated by Rev Fr. Augustine Kanjamala SVD, then Provincial Superior. The inauguration ceremony was attended by good number of SVDs, Sisters who are working with such groups already in different parts of Mumbai and the domestic workers themselves to mark the occasion. With this the society has ventured into a new type of ministry in Mumbai. 

AIDS awareness programme	Domestic workers Discussing to have or not to have a union at a annual rally

Motivation

              Migrant and Domestic workers has been one of the main concerns of our society in recent times   to respond to the contemporary challenges. The care of the migrants, poor and marginalized was given special attention during the last General Chapter. The option for the poor, justice and peace is the vital part of our ministry today. After the last Provincial Chapter it was felt that we start something in Mumbai to care for thousands of people who come from Chottanagpur belt every year. They come in search of better livelihood as they have less opportunities in their own places. Poverty forces them to come to cities. Most of them are very little educated and skilled to get a proper job. Some are completely illiterate. Most of the time they end up working in the houses as domestic helpers. There is no prescribed code for number of hours they should be working and the conditions of work. Some of them end up working 16 –18 hours a day without break. They have no payment scale specified; one is paid according to the wish of the employer. Often they are not paid in due time. Some of them do not know even how much she/ he is being paid. They do not dare to ask about it fearing they will lose the job. Some do not negotiate before they are taken for work because getting shelter is the first thing in their minds. Therefore they agree for any thing. Most of these domestic workers are young, as young as10-12 years. They are mistreated, harassed and face injustice in many ways. They suffer silently most of the time.

Dream

            This office would like to help Migrant and Domestic workers  by making them aware of their rights, duties, dignity, freedom, and to share very specially the image of God in each person. There is plan to bring them together when ever possible for talks, seminars, value education, making them aware of their rights through inputs, celebrations etc and organizing recollection and retreats.  

Miles to Go 

            Hence this office aims at helping out these people whatever way it can, like employing them with proper terms and conditions, negotiate salaries, protecting their rights and dignity, and freeing those who are working in a particular family for years, but not allowed to come out of the house, not allowed to meet friends and relatives, not paid for months and years, not even permitted to go home, taking up the cases of harassment and mistreatment etc. It is a challenge, a tough job but the option for the poor and marginalized takes priority over other things. Siding with poor and marginalized has been common endeavor of our ministry today. Our common goal has been creating awareness of their rights and dignity of each individual.

          May God help us to   understand this  worthy cause, with true human heart, give courage and strength to stand by.

Fr. Mahipal Toppo SVD

MAITRI SANGATAN

A Care center for Migrant and Domestic workers

Plot No.104B, 14^th Road, T.P.S.III, Bandra (W)

Mumbai-50, Phone 26040941

E-mail: mahipaltoppo@indiatimes.com