Henry Martyn Institute

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PEACE THROUGH EMPOWERMENT

As an expansion of praxis community development programs for the year 2000, it has been decided to further the goals of reconciliation in the context of caste, class and religion. It was felt important that we serve a needy and violence prone locality, where Hindus and Muslims are living together.

Several places were visited and studied, and finally Shankernager a typically slum under Malakpet constituency Hyderabad, felt to be suitable for purpose of our work. Shankernager is a mixed locality with nearly 6000 people living without any basic needs, this can be categorized as a lower class area with various caste related problems.

Social workers to build rapport and to understand the needs and concerns of the locality made several visits. Social worker felt it important to work with women and children, health and hygiene concerns.

In the meetings with the community proposed to have a tailoring centre for women. A local woman's committee was formed with 2 Hindus and 2 Muslims as members and they agreed to shoulder the responsibility in starting and running a centre in Shankernager.

A premise was rented and infrastructure was acquired. To a maximum extent local resources were used, specially the old sewing machines that are available in the community and the manpower. Inaugurated the community centre on 28th of November 2000.

Ms.Vajra Bai an experienced middle aged woman is appointed as the teacher and at present 43 students in equal ratio of Hindus and Muslims are taking tailoring course.

This small beginning of ours is to build strong contacts and bonds among the community. To serve as a platform wherein people can have a exchange of views for a better understanding for a positive hadling of conflict situations in their day to day lives. Finally empower the community with knowledge and confidence to convert this centre into self sufficient income generation programme.