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by Peter Biggs
Indian Dalits comprise nearly a quarter of the total population of India, a
massive 250 million men, women and children.
Dalits are considered the ‘outcasts’ of Indian society – the ‘untouchables.’ The Hindu scriptures call them ‘the unborn’– implying it would be better if they had never been born.
Dalits are denied access to public wells, public parks, basic medical services
and education. Many restaurants have drinking glasses reserved only for Dalits.
The Dalits are powerless to change their status. As Dalits, they are trapped in
a caste system that keeps them in a vicious cycle of poverty, generation after
generation, unable to escape.
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Dalit Freedom Network Canada (DFNC) is committed to giving them hope, equality
and dignity by providing English education, health care and economic support.
One expression of DFNC is ‘Hope for Dalit Women.’ This is a group of Canadian women who are heading up a number of projects:
• Provision of training and equipment for Dalit women at Good Shepherd Schools. A
typical centre includes 10 treadle sewing machines ($200 each) and tailor
training for 20 women for a six-month period ($250 per woman).
• Job opportunities through micro loans: Money is lent to individuals or to
groups to help them start their own small businesses. Loans can range from $80
to $250.
• Child sponsorship at $25/month.
For information: www.dalitfreedom.net
Options - Spring 2010
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