A three-day meet of the [Migrant Assistance and Information Network ‘MAIN] – State Hub Coordinators and Migrant Link Workers of the South West Zone was held on February 2 – 4, 2024 at Indian Social Institute, Bangalore. The purpose of the program was to understand the interventions of each hub in the South West Zone and how we could move forward towards working with the distressed migrants.
In the inaugural address, the Director Dr. Selvaraj Arul Nathan spoke on the importance of networking especially for drafting safe migration policy which we need to lobby with the governments so that there is safe and dignified migration of our people. Dr. M.G. Selvin Raj SJ, the unit head explained the dynamics for the three days.
Dr. Jeevan Prasad Dandavathi MSFS, Indian Institute of Spirituality, Bangalore in his Keynote Address cited insights from the biblical texts as ‘Bible is a history of migration’ with some key points as ‘Land’ being a Source of life for migration. His key note address ended with an inspiring message that ‘The Word of God’ is a wandering seed. Further, an interactive session initiated among the Coordinators and Migrant Link Workers to share critical intervention in their hubs and whaat further they could do.
Br. Rajesh SJ, a Bombay Jesuit and State hub coordinator of Maharashtra cum advocate shared about the legal approach we need to imbibe while working with the distressed migrants. His personal experience of legal approach to the issues of distress migrants helped the participants gain some tips .
On the 2nd day, Fr. Sebastian Lakra SJ Central Zonal Hub coordinator and Director of Bagaicha Social centre highlighted the Challenges faced by the Migrants from the Source states with statistical facts
Fr. Martin Puthussery SJ, Director MAIN went took the lead role to explain about practical guidelines in implementation of MAIN activities. In the afternoon the Link workers and the State Hub Coordinators (Jesuits) had meeting separately with SWOT analysis which was presented in the plenary in the next session which helped both the state hub as well as the Link workers. Mr. Suresh, the CEO of NESTAM NGO shared his intervention with the marginal farmers through the help of NABARD which threw a lot of insights into our approach to migrant workers.
On the third day, Fr. Ashok Ohol SJ meaningfully and in a detailed manner spoke about the ‘Purpose of Documentation’ especially aligning with the expectations of MAIN’s way of reporting. Sr. Sumi, a Salesian Sister of Don Bosco and Mr. Kennady, the programme coordinator of DON BOSCO Best Academy, Bangalore shared about various Vocational Skill Training options available for the migrant youth, and Medical Coding was introduced him giving the youth various job opportunities.
To influence Policy changes, Advocacy plays a major role in creating lasting impact, therefore the concluding session of Day 3 was addressed by Fr. Martin. This session enabled the participants to understand the importance of involving in Advocacy Activities in Working with Migrants through MAIN.
- Reported by Ms. Jaunitasami MLW, Pune & Mr. Ananda Rao, LM Unit.