Taking advantage of the Annual Catechists’ Training Programme, Fr. Albert Thyrniang SDB, Coordinator of the Migrant Desk of the Province, conducted an orientation session on the proposed Migrant Workers’ Survey to be undertaken in the parishes of the Province. The two-hour animation programme on 7 August 2026 brought together 24 village catechists, parish leaders, and pastoral workers from Umswai, Amkachi, and Umsiang Parish under the Shillong Archdiocese.

The programme was attended by Fr. Joachim Puma SDB, Parish Priest of Amkachi Parish, Fr. Sanjosh Sangma SDB, Assistant Parish Priest of Umswai, and two religious sisters who were facilitating the annual catechists’ training. The orientation aimed to prepare local pastoral leaders for the forthcoming survey that seeks to understand the realities of migrant workers belonging to parish communities and to strengthen pastoral care for them.

A significant highlight of the session was Fr. Albert’s presentation on the findings of the migrant workers’ survey conducted three years ago in 31 villages of Satgaon Parish, West Karbi Anglong. He explained how the survey provided valuable insights into the lives and needs of migrant workers and enabled the parish to establish an effective ministry through the Bosco Satgaon Migrant Desk.

Fr. Albert also shared the various initiatives undertaken by the Satgaon Migrant Desk, including the annual celebration of Migrants’ Day since 2023, personal visits to migrant workers in cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru, collaboration with other Salesian Migrant Desks whenever required, and the regular sharing of parish news through WhatsApp groups that connect migrants with their home communities. These initiatives drew keen interest from the participants, who appreciated the practical ways in which the Church has remained close to its migrant faithful.

Emphasising the importance of grassroots participation, Fr. Albert noted that the success of the Satgaon survey was largely due to the dedicated involvement of the village catechists. Their familiarity with families and local communities ensured that the survey was both comprehensive and reliable. He encouraged the catechists of Umswai and neighbouring parishes to play a similar role in the forthcoming initiative.

The interactive session concluded with participants raising questions, clarifying practical aspects of the proposed survey, and expressing their enthusiasm to replicate the successful Satgaon model in Umswai and Amkachi Parishes. The orientation marked the second animation programme on the proposed survey, following a similar session held at Sojong Parish on 16 July 2026.

The proposed Migrant Workers’ Survey is expected to provide updated data that will help the Salesian Province of Guwahati develop more effective pastoral outreach, accompaniment, and support services for migrant workers and their families, ensuring that they remain connected to both their faith and their home communities despite the challenges of migration.

Earlier, Fr. Sanjosh Sangma SDB welcomed the resource person and all the participants, noting that the orientation formed an integral part of the Annual Catechists’ Training Programme at Umswai and reflected the Church’s growing commitment to accompanying migrant workers through informed and coordinated pastoral action.