Catholic church launches training programs to curb foreign migration, boost local entrepreneurship

Kochi: The Catholic church is taking action to manage the rising issue of foreign migration among Catholic youth. As a start, they have launched entrepreneurship training programs led by the Changanassery, Pala, and Kanjirapally dioceses. These programs aim to encourage young people not just to seek jobs abroad but to become employers by starting their own businesses.

The initiative includes providing technical training and investment support to help youth become self-sufficient and start their own enterprises within the State. The Changanassery Archdiocese priest emphasised the need to follow government guidelines to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit, similar to how colleges are preparing to become incubation centres in the State.

Many graduates, including those with engineering degrees, are finding themselves in low-paying jobs abroad and are even struggling to return home. The desire to migrate often starts as early as 8th grade, according to church authorities.

Next week, the Syro-Malabar Sabha Major Archiepiscopal Assembly in Pala will discuss strategies to address uncontrolled migration. The assembly plans to implement new ideas to better manage and support youth migration issues.