PIME Missionary Fr. Mateus Jensen Didonet works in Mumbai, India, in an area next to a garbage dump where the people have settled into makeshift housing without basic services. Many of the people here pick through the garbage salvaging what they can to survive. Children roam aimlessly in unhygienic surroundings – because only 30% of children in Mumbai slums have access to pre-primary education. The children of the area are vulnerable and lack basic health, hygiene, and education Fr. Mateus’ project aims at breaking the cycle of poverty by targeting the youngest children in Pre-K with quality education/academics, sports, and education on values. His program will enhance academic performance and the skills needed for primary education and beyond, boost self-confidence, reduce dropout rates and positively affect families and the community.
Thanks to funding of $16,667 from PIME’s 2023 Serata supporters, 117 children received Pre-K education in two educational centers in the year. The program had a huge impact on these young children in the slum who would not have had this opportunity without your help.
Fr. Mateus and his team continue to support these children with a 3-year project (2024-2026) to provide these children an advantage through Pre-K education. The project for the 2024-2025 school year is for $17,196. Can you help Fr. Mateus provide a way out of poverty for the smallest students in the Mumbai slums?
Leader
Published Fri, Sep 13, 24. Written by Kathleen Connors.
It’s been almost a year since PIME Missionary Fr. Mateus Jensen Didonet joined us for our 2023 Serata dinner. You will recall that Fr. Mateus works in Mumbai, India, in a slum next to a garbage dump where the people have settled into makeshift housing without basic services. Many people here pick through the garbage salvaging what they can to survive. Many young children also roam aimlessly lacking basic health, hygiene, and education as only 30% of children in Mumbai slums have access to pre-primary education.
Fr. Mateus has reported back to us on the impact of your support in breaking the cycle of poverty through his project for quality Pre-K education, sports, and education on values. Thanks to funding of $16,667 from the 2023 PIME Serata, 117 children received Pre-K education in two educational centers in the past year. Activities included academics, nutrition support through their “Breakfast Revolution,” weight monitoring, and extracurricular activities. They were even able to renovate a portion of one of their buildings.
Thank you for supporting our 2023 PIME Serata dinner – you have helped unlock the potential for a brighter future for these children in Mumbai!
