Shirpur – Anand Sadan
At the request of the Jesuits, four Sisters from Dhule were sent to Shirpur in 1967 to open a boarding for Adivasi village girls. These girls attended the nearby schools, so a building was set up as their numbers increased. They were given thorough formation in morals, preparing them for life, to earn their livelihood and form good families. Later the work of education was carried out in villages by helping the Jesuits who started remedial schools in the villages.
The need of a health center was soon felt as the sick in the villages needed it. According the dispensary started and was later developed with proper medical facilities in 1973. Thousands of patients from far off villages receive healing and health through the able hands of Sisters and medical staff. They also reach out to the sick with a mobile clinic caring for chronic cases.
Social outreach also began simultaneously as Sisters visited the villages. Self-help groups various job-oriented schemes, women empowerment Programmes, preventive health Programmes, kitchen gardens etc. gave life to the villagers. Youth self-employment (TRYSEM) programme started by Sr. Monica Vypana. attained great success and she was awarded by the CEO of the Rural development officer the ‘Adivasi Sevak’ for outstanding work. Sister social workers and lawyers have undertaken advocacy work which has helped many Adivasi families to get back their land from the landlords. The catholic families receive faith formation through catechesis, scripture camps, Programmes in preparation for Christmas and Easter.
In 2014 an English medium school has been started for Adivasi girls to help them improve their standards. This school is progressing even though non Adivasi students take advantage of its the high standard.