SASAC/SOJASI runs economic, livelihood, social, educational and environmental programs to address the needs of marginalized people, empower them and help care for our common home. Photo: Juan Emilio Hernandez/CJI
On World Food Day, October 16, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) expresses its solidarity and reaffirms its commitment to work with the poor and marginalized communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America who are struggling for social justice and dignity.
We do so with a great sense of urgency: Up to 828 million people around the world still go hungry, according to the World Food Programme.
CJI supports the work of its Jesuit partners whose sustainable agriculture and livelihood projects help communities break free from poverty, promote self-reliance, and empower people to care for the environment.
One such project, by the St Alphonsus Social and Agricultural Centre (SASAC) and the Society of Jesus Agricultural and Social Institute (SOJASI), helps poor communities in Kurseong, India, to establish economic and livelihood projects such as vegetable gardens, dairy farms, mushroom cultivation, and weaving. The project also has educational programs that provide vocational training, computer training, and study centres for children.
SASAC/SOJASI has helped generations of women, men, youth, and children in the communities they work with. Every year, 300 women participate in the livelihood program; 500 school children attend their educational program; 23 members of the community with mental and physical impairments are included in the education and livelihood programs; and 100 unemployed youth are encouraged through skills training.
Learn more about SASAC/SOJASI: https://www.canadianjesuitsinternational.ca/projects/india-sojasi/
