History
Maximilan Kolbe Church, Kanjiramchira, popularly known as Mangalam church, was a small substation of the parish of Thumboli when it was handed over to the Salesians in 1998. The population of Kanjiramchira, traditionally fisher-folk, who rely solely on the sea for their subsistence, is a mixed group of Christians and Hindus. The region is underdeveloped and the people in general are uneducated and hence subject to injustice and oppression.
Tsunami Relief
The fishermen were helped to get back to the sea. They have been assisted with a boat which is named "Varaprasadam" which means Grace of God. Here they mend the net before the next outing to the deep.
Activities
1. Study Centre
The study centre, which caters to the school going children up to class X reaches out to more than 104 children. The teachers handling the classes in this centre are qualified. This provides good opportunity for students from poor families.
2. Snehasamooham
Snehasamooham, which means community of love, helps in the development of the community. Each community consists of 20 to 40 families. There are 21 groups and they meet once in a week. Snehasamooham provides unity in the community through sharing and solving individual and family problems.
3. Catechism classes.
Catechism classes are conducted in the church every Sunday. There are 435 children from class I to X attending these classes.
4. Library and reading room
There is a good library in the centre with more than 1000 books. Membership in the library is open to all irrespective of the religion. Members of the youth club are in charge of this
5. Youth club
Don Bosco youth club functions in the centre. There are 17 members in this club. The youth club conducts activities for cultural and social development of the people.
6. Self Help Groups
There are 12 Self Help Groups of women functioning in the centre. These groups are involved in income generation, savings and credit activities.
7. Promotion of Education
The project gives emphasis to promotion of education through sponsorships and support for poor students. Through these activities we have seen a qualitative difference in the interest for education in the children as well as the parents and in their performance. Presently there are 48 children benefiting from this programme.
8. Helping the Aged
Once in a week the aged people of the nearby areas gather at the centre. This gives them a platform for relaxation and gives them a sense of belonging. This has brought about a joy in the faces of the many old and sickly people of the locality.
Now 18 old aged people are helped with necessities especially medicine and nourishment.
Address
Maxmilian Kolbe Church,
Mangalam, Kanjiramchira
Alappuzha North Post – 688 007
Kerala
Phone : (0477) 224.66.86
Email : dbalappuzha@sancharnet.in