Read more stories and watch videos about the trip: bit.ly/IndiaNepalvisit

Canadian Jesuit International’s (CJI) visit to India and Nepal last spring was “an extraordinary opportunity to meet some of CJI key partners and to witness the real impact” of the contributions made by CJI supporters in Canada, said  CJI International Programs Coordinator Juan Emilio Hernandez.

“The impact goes beyond the individuals, as all projects have a multiplier effect,” said CJI Executive Director Jenny Cafiso, who accompanied Hernandez in the visit. “We were able to hear from the community members themselves how the various initiatives supported by CJI are having an impact on the lives of individuals and communities.”

Women leaders in a slum “have been able to pressure the local government to provide basic needs like streetlights or a community clinic for their neighbourhood,” said Cafiso. “Students from very marginalized communities have been able to access higher education thanks to good, quality education provided by the Jesuit schools.”

Hernandez and Cafiso visited CJI’s Jesuit partners and other Jesuit institutions in India and Nepal from April 11 to May 1. They traveled to New Delhi, Bagdogra, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Kathmandu, Sadakbari, and Simalbari.

The last time CJI’s staff visited India and Nepal was in 2016.

Tea garden workers share their experiences of working with the Human Life Research and Development Centre, a CJI partner in India. Photo: Jenny Cafiso/CJI

The support that Canadians give to these projects is crucial, said Cafiso. “The projects we support may be small, but they are an important response to a situation where millions of people in the country suffer from exclusion, discrimination and lack the most basic necessities,” she said. “By making an option to work with the poorest members of society, the Jesuit projects supported by CJI often provide the only option for a different life where they can develop their full human potential.”

During their visit, Cafiso and Hernandez met with representatives from the New Delhi Indian Social Institute, Lok Manch, the Human Life Research and Development Centre, Gandhi Ashram, Hayden Hall, the St Alphonsus Social and Agricultural Center (SASAC), the Society of Jesus Agricultural and Social Institute, and Moran Memorial School, and visited local Jesuit schools and institutions. They also met with the Provincial and Regional Superior of Darjeeling and Nepal Region, respectively, as well as officials from the Jesuit Conference of South Asia.

Read more stories and watch videos about the trip: bit.ly/IndiaNepalvisit