” “The diocesan scheme in Amaravathi, carried out in 50 villages of the district since April 2007, has already borne its fruits: "Through this scheme, we could raise the awareness of the target population explains to SIR father Charles D’Cruze, in charge of the scheme in the Vidarbha region -, helping it find ways out by changing their farming practices. For instance, by suggesting them to adopt modern accounting techniques and scientific farming practices, so as to make it all more sustainable and acquire new skills, so that the land will become more productive. We have also helped change the mentality of the target communities, a sort of ‘Pro-life’ movement. Now, the villages in which the church organisations work with the local people are aware that suicide is not the solution to the farmers’ problems. This is clear from the fact there have been just 2 suicides in the 50 villages where we have started to work". In addition, the farmers’ widows and orphans are offered post-traumatic advice and psychological and social support. In addition, in June 2007, the diocese of Amravati supported the educational requirements of 75 schools attended by the children of 55 people who had committed suicide in the districts of Yavatmal and Buldhana. (pca)” “
