Sisters of Mercy Launch Teachers’ Training Centre to Empower Young Women in North Bengal

Rajganj, West Bengal, June 22, 2026: In a significant step towards empowering young women from economically vulnerable communities, the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross, India East Province, inaugurated a one-year Pre-Primary Teachers’ Training Programme at Holy Cross School, Rajganj, in the Diocese of Jalpaiguri on June 20.

The initiative is aimed at addressing the growing socio-economic challenges faced by families in the tea garden regions of North Bengal and Assam, where the closure of plantations, low wages, and limited educational opportunities have left many young women vulnerable to poverty, unemployment, and human trafficking.

The tea garden belt, spread across the dioceses of Darjeeling, Bagdogra, and Jalpaiguri, as well as parts of Assam, is home to thousands of Adivasi and Nepali families whose livelihoods have traditionally depended on plantation work. Economic instability in the region has increasingly exposed young women to exploitation, with traffickers often luring them through false promises of employment in urban centres.

Recognising the urgent need for sustainable interventions, the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross established the Pre-Primary Teachers’ Training Centre to provide professional education and create pathways to dignified employment. The initiative reflects the congregation’s commitment to responding to contemporary social needs, inspired by the vision of their founder, Fr. Theodosius Florentini, OFM Cap., who taught that “the need of the time is the will of God.”

The programme seeks to prepare qualified pre-primary educators while enabling participants to support their families and pursue higher studies. The inaugural batch comprises 20 young women drawn from West Bengal, Assam, and Sikkim.

The celebrations began with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Lalit Tirkey, SJ, Principal of North Bengal Xavier College, Rajganj. Describing the occasion as “a new chapter in the history of the Holy Cross mission,” he reminded the trainees that teaching is more than a profession—it is a vocation that shapes lives and communities.

“Teaching is not merely a profession but a vocation,” Fr. Tirkey said, encouraging the participants to make the most of the opportunities offered through the training programme and to remain committed to their calling as educators.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, Sr. Sherin Jose, Provincial Superior of the India East Province, formally inaugurated the training centre by unveiling its signboard and opening the newly established classroom.

Addressing the gathering, Sr. Sherin reflected on the long-cherished dream behind the initiative and its potential impact on the region.

“For many years, our Province dreamed of creating a centre where young women could receive quality training and prepare themselves to become competent and dedicated pre-primary teachers,” she said. “We believe that this institution will not only benefit the trainees personally but will also contribute significantly to the educational development of the region.”

She noted the increasing demand for professionally trained pre-primary educators and expressed hope that the programme would prepare teachers capable of making a positive difference in the lives of children, families, and society.

Religious sisters from neighbouring communities joined the celebrations, underscoring the significance of the new centre as both an educational initiative and a social response to the challenges confronting young women in the region.

Sr. Sherin also acknowledged the dedication of Sr. Neelam Robert, Coordinator of the Training Programme, Sr. Benny D’Cunha, Superior of the Rajganj Community, and the members of the local community whose efforts helped bring the project to fruition.

The launch of the Pre-Primary Teachers’ Training Centre marks an important milestone in the congregation’s mission of service and empowerment. By equipping young women with professional skills and meaningful employment opportunities, the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross hope to foster greater dignity, security, and hope among some of eastern India’s most economically fragile communities.

By Sr. Teresa Dorjee, SCSC

Siliguri