Sisters of Our Lady of The Missions

We, Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, are committed in a special way to working with women and with the young because we believe that when you educate women you help to educate families and to build a better world.
We invite you to work with us
- to be in solidarity with our mission works
- to share in our dream of building a brighter future
through love, justice and peace for all
Spend some time with us and visit the 20 countries we live and work in.
Share our history and spirituality and be sure to sign our guest book before you leave!!

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“Hearing the Cry of the Poor

 

 

 

 

Tei Wa Ngai (Mercy of God) is a project for persons with disabilities in the Matuu Deanery of the diocese of Machakos, Kenya. It was begun in 1991 by a Dutch Volunteer Marjan Boortsma, with the support of CORDAID and since 2001 continued by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions. 

Home based care is emphasized and supported by the workers and volunteers. It involved the changing of attitudes of the people towards disabilities which were often viewed as being a curse or punishment. In the society there is a tendency to hide the disabled. Those challenged with physical, mental and sensory impairments and with epilepsy are offered the chance to live a life of dignity and independence with the access medical services and education.

At present the largest group of children being assisted are those with cerebral palsy. There are two health workers in each of the six Parishes. Their role is essential in the identification of new cases and the follow up programmes. This project continues to meet a very real need and welcomes donor support. If you wish to respond to this "Cry of the Poor", donate here.

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A PROJECT OF SELF HELP

 

This year our community at Nha Trang has 50 girls from 12 – 22 years studying in classes 6 to 12.  The young women who come from remote villages, mainly North VietNam, live with the sisters so that they can finish secondary school.  They do work to support themselves.  Sister Eulalie coordinates the work and finds clients for their products.  Church vestments, embroidery, sewing, rag mats and the production of fish sauce and dried bananas make up their range of sale items.  

The young women are given opportunities to participate in human development classes and learn skills to assist them to work in social and pastoral activities in their own villages.  This is a long term project which has benefited over a generation of young people. 

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South India Success Story

 

Literacy Programme

Sister Helen Misquith coordinates the programme in the Ahmel area.  In about 50 villages with the help of social workers they have introduced self help programmes and saving schemes.  Last year they managed to get Government pensions for 30 senior members of these villages.  Adult literacy programmes means that many more are able to write and sign their names, read the newspaper or cash a bill and count money.  Women are much more aware of the rights. Development of kitchen gardens is encouraged.  There are tailoring, and health and hygiene programmes.  Since the RNDMs went to Almel the face of the villages and the lifestyle of the people has changed.  Many young women have completed tailoring classes and become self sufficient.  No Government agencies or private NGOs work in the area.