The Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI), a non-governmental organization in Guwahati in the northeast Indian state of Assam, has a two-fold goal—transforming the girls from marginalized groups’ futures and uplifting their communities.
CDI is a social service wing of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC) congregation, which has been working for the development of people, especially for the transformation of the lives of village girls, for the last 80 years.
The center offers free education, vocational training, and life skills to girls from marginalized communities, helping them escape poverty and exploitation.
“The center has given me new hope, a path to financial independence, and a bright future,” says Sangeeta, a former student of CDI.
She and hundreds of girls have availed themselves of several trainings on tailoring, housekeeping, and soap-making with a variety of life, social, and practical skills that help girls secure a livelihood and protect themselves from exploitation.
“The tailoring course that I took at CDI enabled me to have a stable source of income in life,” said Manila. “It has changed my life. I have a small business of my own. It gives me new hope and confidence to live well.”
According to Monica, the education and training provided by CDI breaks the cycle of poverty and exploitation for most girls who come from rural, impoverished, and indigenous communities.
Sr. Lisa Elavunkal, director of CDI, says women and girls face poverty, lack of education, limited opportunities that force parents to send their daughters to domestic work, or unsafe migration to urban areas.
This puts individuals at risk of exploitation and human trafficking in most cases.
The center addresses these issues by providing them with education, vocational skills, and essential skills like financial management and leadership that empower the girls to take charge of their lives, says Elavunkal.
The CDI staff and MSMHC nuns create awareness about human trafficking, educating parents and girls on the risks of unsafe migration.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to empower individuals, especially the marginalized and underprivileged women, girls, and children of the peripheries, by fostering holistic development and promoting sustainable change,” said Elavunkal.
The flagship programs of CDI include the promotion of women’s rights and empowerment, child rights, microcredit and entrepreneurship development, skill promotion through vocational training, health programs, and care for the environment.
Anchored on the core values of compassion, service, and integrity, CDI and its collaborators are committed to empowering others to lead a life of dignity and purpose.
“Whether it’s through education, skill-building, or community development, we will continue to sow seeds of hope, resiliency, and transformation,” adds Elavunkal.
According to her, CDI explores new ways to create opportunities, build resilient communities, and make meaningful differences in the lives of many.
“We believe in the power of collective effort and hope to uplift and inspire women and girls,” said Elavunkal.
CDI has a long-term impact—transforming the girls' futures and uplifting their communities, with the help of government agencies and other organizations.
“With a renewed spirit of service for all, we march forth in the hope that leads us to work for the common good,” said Elavunkal.
