The Calcutta Diocese of the Church of North India (CNI) has carried out its “The Neighbour” project to help at least 175 families whose livelihoods have been hard hit by the pandemic. Launched last year, each family received seed money to help them start small businesses. These included cycle vans or kiosks for small food businesses, and sewing machines and accessories for tailoring units.
Bishop Paritosh Canning of the Calcutta Diocese expressed that they initially tried to meet immediate needs of food, clothes and money during the pandemic lockdown and Cyclone Amphan, followed by deliberating over how to support them through skill development thereafter. If successful, there are plans to continue this project beyond a year in a different format.
Image caption: Amiya Mondal received help from Bishop Paritosh Canning of the Calcutta Diocese, at Bishop House
Image credit: https://www.telegraphindia.com