
SOCIETY OF THE HELPERS OF MARY
SNEHALAYA
In 1978 the Franciscan Brothers requested SHM to open a house in Jafarganj in the diocese of Allahabad.
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As there were 20 villages which were very far, the Franciscans gave the sisters a small house in the colony and 10 acres of cultivable land. The sisters lived there for two years after which a new house was constructed. On the land they have cultivated crops, reared poultry, rabbit and buffalo, and maintained a fish pond. This has served to make the centre self-sufficient.
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During their visits, the sisters found that village development programs had not reached the people. So, as the first step, the sisters started a community centre, with a government certificate course in tailoring. Later on a dispensary was opened, and mother and child health programs were conducted. In the villages, balwadis and adult literacy classes were started.
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In March 1980 a new structure was constructed. Over the years the activities have extended to women empowerment and income generation programs, vocational training for women and young girls, non-formal education, home-based educational support to poor students, networking for development with government and non-government organisations on current issues, as well as family apostolate. In time the dispensary was closed.
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As the building became dilapidated, in 2023 a new structure was constructed consisting of a residence for the sisters, and a community centre.
POSTAL ADDRESS
Snehalaya, P.O. Jafarganj, Dt. Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 224 146