India, Good Shepherd Centre Sandanapalaya
The Good Shepherd Sisters came to Sandanapalaya in 2002. Over the past seven years, they have worked with the local community at Sandanapalaya and the tribes of Soliga, Lambani and other Scheduled castes. Sandanapalaya Village is situated on the border area of the States of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, about 240 kms from Bangalore.
There are few facilities in these areas – communication, transport, roads, electricity, schools and health facilities are absent in many areas. Unemployment is very high: most work is seasonal. Most of the population are landless or have very small plots to grow their crops. As a result, many migrate to other States or the cities where they are too frequently forced to live in dehumanizing conditions. The young women and girls are taken to work as domestic workers or in tailoring units in various cities and the men and boys from the age of 13 go to quarry work. Trafficking of women and girls and also bonded labour are issues of concern.
In 25 villages in the area, the sisters are working to promote wholistic development. One of their projects is the encouragement of the weaving ability of the women. The Trading Circle has begun supporting this initiative and many of the colourful floor rugs are now available in our shops at very reasonable prices.
Here is a selection of their products
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