July 16th, 1992, is an important day for us, Sisters Adorers, as we reached Bandel to begin a Community so as to extend our services to the people of this locality, especially to the Santal Community. This was the long cherished dream of our Province in India: to have a House in Bandel. Now this dream has become a reality. We are deeply grateful to the Salesian Fathers especially Fr. Louis Gobetti and the Parish Community of Bandel, for inviting us and providing us with all facilities, and the minute details for our stay here.
According to the objectives of this House, our main apostolate is the pastoral work among the Santals. Village tour is a regular feature of our pastoral work. Special care is taken through frequent visits, catechism classes and moral support. We also carry on the healing ministry of Christ by taking care of the sick. The boarding we started with eight children on December 8, 1992, accommodates today over 140 Santhalı girls of different age groups. The majority of these girls are studying in St. John’s Primary School, which is headed by åone of our sisters. About 10 are school dropouts who attend non-formal school, learn tailoring, knitting, etc.
If these girls are able to cope with formal schooling we get them admitted in the local Government school. The different skills the girls learn in our boarding have enabled them to produce beautiful marketable items. They are a source of income and are well appreciated. Besides these, they are enriched by various classes like Bible, moral, health and hygiene, music and dance. We also run the Lady Brabourne Centre for young girls of the locality. It conducts 3-yea Diploma courses in Tailoring and Embroidery.