Migration is a reality for millions in India, driven by economic hardship and the search for better opportunities. Yet, for many migrant families, the journey is riddled with challenges—lack of education, identity gaps, and limited access to welfare schemes. Caritas India, with its six decades of experience, has emerged as a driving force in community development, empowering people through strategic partnerships and programmatic support.

“Empowerment is the key to resilience. Being heard and having better access to entitlements and public welfare schemes are true indicators of success. Despite being migrant families from Bihar, we have managed to connect with various government schemes. Most importantly, our children can now read and write, and they are getting admitted to mainstream schools,” shares Pooja, a woman from Karnal.

Pooja’s journey is a testament to the transformative impact of Caritas India’s interventions. By supporting grassroots organizations, Caritas India ensures that migrant children receive educational opportunities, while women gain a voice in decision-making. Through non-formal education centers, peer education programs, and vocational training such as tailoring units, communities are empowered to break free from cycles of poverty and exclusion.

Caritas India has built a robust model of collaboration, acting as a resource organization that partners with local NGOs, like the Arise Foundation, to strengthen community development and educational efforts. These partnerships play a vital role in ensuring that migrant families, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, can access education, livelihood training, and essential social entitlements.

Despite the Right to Education Act (RTE) mandating free and compulsory education, many migrant children remain out of school due to their families’ constant mobility. Through its partnerships, Caritas India bridges these gaps by identifying and enrolling out-of-school children into mainstream education. The organization also helps empower women by providing them with employable skills such as tailoring and handicrafts, leading to financial independence and stability. Another key aspect of these collaborations is linking frontline workers with migrant communities to enhance their access to government schemes, ensuring that their rights and entitlements are not overlooked. These partnerships also extend support to marginalized groups, including transgender individuals, brick kiln workers, and street vendors, reinforcing Caritas India’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice.

As part of its commitment to long-term impact, Caritas India conducted accompaniment visits under the ARISE program in Haryana and Kerala from March 19-22, 2025. Led by experts Dr. Jaison Varghese, Lima John, and Dr. Dileesh Varghese, these visits focused on strengthening the support systems for migrant communities, ensuring sustainable development and social inclusion. By working directly with local partners, Caritas India fosters an environment where migrants are not merely beneficiaries of aid but active participants in shaping their own futures.

Caritas India’s legacy in social development is built on empowerment, inclusion, and sustainability. Through its strategic partnerships, Caritas India serves as a bridge between policy and practice, ensuring that vulnerable communities have the tools and knowledge to assert their rights and build better lives. Continued collaboration, advocacy, and community-driven initiatives enable the organization to remain steadfast in its mission of bringing about meaningful and lasting change.