St. Mary’s Training Centre

The Diocese of Bombay operates an Educational and Social Outreach Programme in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai’s largest slum community. Most residents are low-income migrant daily-wage workers, although the younger generation is gaining increasing access to education.

As part of this initiative, the Diocese supports a Training Centre that offers courses in embroidery, cutting and sewing, and mehendi art for underprivileged women. The courses run for four to six months, with two-hour sessions held daily. The coordinator and both instructors are from the neighbourhood, promoting local leadership and serving as examples of women achieving self-reliance.

The Centre serves women aged 16 to 40 who are unable to travel elsewhere for training. The programme enables them to earn an income from home and/or reduce household expenses by stitching for their families. Small orders undertaken during the course provide practical experience, build confidence, and offer an initial source of income. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate and medal, while the daily classes help cultivate lasting support networks within the community.

Since its establishment on 7 October 2021, commemorating the 72nd birthday of H.G. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Bombay, the Centre has trained and empowered more than 200 students.

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