“This help is going to support my family and many other families will be benefitted from it. I have received support for the first time in my life. I’m grateful to Caritas India, Caritas Germany, Regensburg diocese, and Cochin Diocese for their kind support” said Mr. Suresh S.  from Tamil Nadu who is now working in Kerala as a migrant worker. Mr. Suresh is a sewage worker in Cochin and lives with his mother and wife. His wife is a housewife and his mother has many health issues. During the lockdown, he lost his work and his family struggled to get their daily living. Like him, many migrant workers’ families were struggling to earn their living during the lockdown. These migrant families were supported through food kits and hygiene kits.

The covid-19 emergency project was inaugurated by honorable MP Shri. Hibi Eden on 17^th July 2021. Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Kariyil, Bishop of Cochin diocese was present for the distribution program. Rev. Dr. Augustine Kadeparambil, Director of Cochin Social Service Society informed that they are going to support 1626 individuals with food kits, hygiene kits, medical kits to the migrant workers who are affected with Covid-19, and direct cash to those who have lost their earning members. This is the first project which diocese is implementing to support the migrant workers and looking at the needs of the migrant workers in the district, Cochin diocese will continue to sustain the project to reach out to the migrants.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Kariyil, Bishop of Cochin diocese, in his presidential address said that the social service society of Cochin diocese’s work includes support to migrants who came to Kerala in search of work and earn their livelihood. Bishop thanked the funding agency for their generous support. Honorable MP Sri. Hibi Eden distributed the food and hygiene kits to migrant workers. He congratulated the Cochin diocese for organizing this event. He said that migrant workers are the people who are considered marginalized people of our society. Thus, coming forward to support and create awareness among this community is needed and well deserved.

Inauguration of medical kit distribution was done by Deputy Thahasildhar, Cochin taluk Sri. Joseph Hertez. He appreciated all the efforts which have been taken by the Cochin diocese for the relief of migrants in this crucial situation. He also emphasized the relevance of vaccination among migrants and suggested taking necessary actions, if possible, for vaccination.  The program was facilitated Felicitations by division counselor Adv. Antony Kureethara and Caritas India’s Program Associate Ms. Siby Paulose. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs. laly Xavier, Coordinator of CSSS.

The food kit, health kit, and medical kit were distributed to 200 migrant workers.  The family card, beneficiary card, and Muster roll were filled by the staff of the CSSS. This emergency aid is funded by Regensburg Diocese in Germany through Caritas Germany. This support is being extended in Delhi, West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.