Livelihood Training Held for Women at Catholic Resettlement Centre in Manipur

Manipur, Jan 21, 2026: In an effort to promote self-reliance among internally displaced women, the Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS) of the Archdiocese of Imphal organised a one-day livelihood training programme on Food Processing and Value Addition at the newly established Catholic Resettlement Centre on January 19, 2026. The programme was conducted in collaboration with Manos Unidas and held at V. Munpi Village in Churachandpur District, Manipur.

The training programme engaged 40 women Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have recently been resettled at the centre, where 76 houses have been constructed with the support of the Archdiocese of Imphal. Most of the participants belong to St. Joseph’s Parish, Sugnu, whose homes and parish infrastructure were severely damaged during the ethnic violence that affected the state.

Mr. James Lampu, a food processing and candy-making expert, facilitated the sessions, combining theoretical inputs with practical demonstrations. Participants were trained in value addition techniques using locally available agricultural produce such as King Chilli and gooseberry. Special emphasis was given to candy-making methods that can be developed into small-scale income-generating activities.

The women were provided with essential learning materials, including pens and notebooks, along with refreshments during the programme. The organisers also announced that participants who show commitment to pursuing food processing as a sustainable livelihood would receive further assistance, including basic equipment and raw materials.

The programme was coordinated by Mr. Thomas Paupi, Regional Manager of DSSS and himself an internally displaced person. The training concluded with a closing prayer led by Ms. Regina Siannuamniang, one of the participants.

Through initiatives such as this livelihood training, the Archdiocese of Imphal continues its commitment to rehabilitating displaced families by providing housing, livelihood opportunities, and educational support, helping restore dignity, hope, and stability in the aftermath of the prolonged crisis.