In central India’s forested state of Chhattisgarh, the local Indigenous community used to have a very low literacy rate. In some villages, no one could read or write.
However, with the support of CNEWA, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Jagdalpur sent missionaries to set up educational programs among the Adivasi, as Indigenous or tribal peoples are known, who live in this region.
In some cases, the missionaries established hostels for children, giving them a stable environment in which to learn, that has had lasting positive effects in the community.
“This school was started with the great desire that no child should grow up without education,” says Sister Treasa Paul, C.S.N., superior of the Sisters of Nazareth convent of St. Michael Giri in Marayoor.
Bishop Joseph Kollamparambil of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Jagdalpur, speaking in the video below, says there are many stories about how CNEWA has helped his eparchy and the Adivasi.
After watching, learn more about the work of the church among the most marginalized communities in India in the article, “Last, but not Least,” published in the March 2025 issue of ONE magazine.