As an entry point to reach out to the community, we serve through Pastoral Outreach Programs to uplift the lives of the people. Reaching remote areas of the country — especially in the tea plantation and coastal regions — we serve the most marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
Since we believe home is the best place for a child to grow, our Community Based Child Protection approach strengthens families to give care and protection to their children, helping people become self-sufficient and responsible parents, and supporting each child's right to live with their parents and develop their personality.
Overall, GSSL reaches this community with the support of 7 Sisters and lay staff, through three community-based models:
Child-Focused Community Development Programme — strengthening families as the first line of protection for children.
Community-Based Child Protection Programme — mobilizing villages to identify and respond to child protection risks.
School-Based Child Protection Programme — equipping schools to prevent abuse and support at-risk students.
Enfant Espoir is a Good Shepherd mission serving children and young people from vulnerable families in Baie du Tombeau. The children come to the centre for academic support, personal development and recreation. They receive help with their schoolwork, particularly in English, French and Mathematics, and are encouraged to develop self-confidence, social skills, values and their personal potential. A hot meal is also provided. Through games, sports, outings and other activities, the children experience a safe and caring environment where they can learn, grow and build hope for the future.
For over 40 years, Kusum Sevana has been dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable families living in the Bloemendhal slum community. Home to nearly 700 families residing in 400–500 shanty houses, the community faces numerous social and economic challenges affecting people of all ages.
Serving all irrespective of race or religion, Kusum Sevana provides a range of programmes aimed at promoting the well-being and development of children, youth, women, and families. These include a welfare nursery and day-care centre for children from low-income families, with the provision of daily snacks and mid-day meals. Educational support is offered through evening coaching classes for school-going children and dropouts, as well as study and library facilities for secondary students.
The centre also facilitates children's associations, career guidance, and skills development programmes for youth and young mothers. Women's groups have been established to enhance economic stability and improve living standards through income-generation initiatives. Through these and many other community development programmes, Kusum Sevana continues its mission of empowering and uplifting the lives of those most in need.