Caritas India and CRS have successfully launched the third phase of EMPOWER Asia, a transformative initiative focused on system strengthening. The event witnessed the active participation of eight DSSS partners from Assam, Odisha, Manipur, Mizoram, and West Bengal.

The launch featured a poster unveiling and an orientation session on the EMPOWER approach to system strengthening, guided by Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Executive Director, Caritas India, Mr. Senthil Kumar, Executive Director, CRS, Ms. Viji from CRS, and Ms. Babita Pinto, HOP, Caritas India.

Among the distinguished attendees were Directors from seven organizations, including Palli Unnayan Samiti (PUS), Krishnagar Cathedral Charitable Social Society (KCCSS), Balasore Social Service Society (BSSS), Catholic Charities (CC), Anugyalaya Darjeeling Diocese Social Service Society (ADDSSS), Bongaigaon Gana Seva Samity (BGSS), Zoram Entu Pawl, Imphal DSSS (IDSSS), and eight PEAs representing the eight DSSSs. Facilitated by Mr. Anjan Bag, Mr. Ananth Kaliyaperumal, and Ms. Monisha Majumdar, the insightful sessions provided a comprehensive overview.

Building on the success of phases I and II, Caritas and its partners are dedicated to enhancing systems and standards for more impactful responses. The addition of four new partners in phase III underscores the commitment to addressing emergency needs in challenging regions facing ethnic conflicts, forced displacement, and natural disasters. These areas demand a robust organizational structure and practical systems to ensure the quality, effectiveness, and timeliness of responses.

The challenges faced by Manipur and Mizoram due to ethnic conflicts and forced displacement, and by Assam and North Bengal dealing with natural hazards, highlight the urgency of the initiative. The EMPOWER approach emerges as a promising solution, drawing from past experiences to create more inclusive and resilient organizations.

The collaborative effort of Caritas India and CRS followed a well-structured agenda, commencing with a reflective prayer led by Fr. Saumen Mallik, Director of PUS. Virtual addresses by Fr. Jolly and Senthil provided comprehensive insights into the collaborative initiative. A significant moment was the hybrid-mode poster release, followed by an overview of EMPOWER Asia presented by Ananth Kaliyaperumal through a PowerPoint Presentation.

Anjan Bag, Thematic Lead – Humanitarian Aid & DRR of Caritas India highlighted key accomplishments of Phases I and II, complemented by insights from partner directors. The introduction of Phase III, presented by Monisha Majumdar and Anjan Bag, included an open discussion and plenary session. The post-lunch session focused on CRS’s perspective on local leadership and partner capacity strengthening, presented by Ananth Kaliyaperumal. Partner reflections, facilitated by Anjan Bag and Monisha Majumdar, enriched the collaborative discourse. The day concluded with a general discussion, allowing for reflections and further insights.

The program’s overarching goals are to strengthen systems, catalyze positive change, and build resilient foundations, reflecting a commitment to making a meaningful impact on communities in need.