Some of the current projects we are undertaking
MATHIESON MEMORIAL MUSIC CENTRE
The success of many children who have benefited from a musical education at the Mission's Behala (Kolkata) compound has been undoubted, with a number who have successfully passed through international conservatoires and on to professional careers, and others who have been successful with string quartets and bands, including the Indian military bands.
The MMMC now wishes to build on this success by offering a broader range of opportunities and is now seeking to acquire wind instruments (both woodwind and brass). The instruments can be bought in India.
If you would like to support this project with a donation you can do so by sending a donation:
1. for the Mathieson Memorial Music Centre work marked "Musical instruments"
to the General Secretary, who can be contacted at the address indicated on the contacts page of this site (click here).
Other projects we are undertaking
At the various sites in India and Bangladesh, the Oxford Mission is actively suporting the local communities. Part of our work is through specific projects aimed at improving conditions both at the Mission premises and within the local communities within which we work.
Current projects include the following:
Behala, India
- The new La Martinière Oxford Mission school is shortly to open following the conversion of the former industrial school. The school was inaugurated by Bishop Paritosh Canning, a former Oxford Mission boy and Father, on 31 July 2021, to much pomp. We congratulate all on this and the immense effort that went on to enable the conversion and opening of the school. St. Joseph's school is being integrated into the new school.
The next stage is to expand the buildings to enable the number of pupils to gradually increase to around 3,000 in years to come. The good news is that all the boys looked after by the Oxford Mission will receive their education within the new school.
- Old persons residence: The first phase of a significant expansion of the offering to the older residents of the area is now open, and further works will take place with the renovation of existing buildings on the former Sisters' side to be used to provide additional accommodation for old people.
- Tank clearing: A vital part of life revolves around the various "tanks" on site. They provide valuable sources of food (fish), and also provide much welcomed recreational facilities. Over the next year or so we will be restoring another tank.
- The renovation of Douglass Hostel is now planned, although no date for the start to works has been committed to for the moment. As previously indicated, this will also see the provision of a new sanatorium for the boys and an upgrade to the ENT (ear, nose and throat) clinic.
- The Arunima Hospice, which provides HIV and Tuberculosis care, is planning to add a new and modern building, located at its site on the Sisters' side of the compound, to increase its capacity from the current 20 patients. As one of only two such facilities in the Kolkata region this is a vital service provided by the Oxford Mission and the Diocese of Calcutta to the community. Following the arrival of the new building a much needed renovation and modernisation of the existing basic accommodation will commence.
Bangladesh
- The Sisters have now filled in the pukur (pond) behind their main building, securing it and providing for more ground for producing food. Planting of trees and other plants is the next priority.
- The Barisal site is due to see two small developments which have been held up by the pandemic. Along the Bogra Road, from the main entrance eastwards, it is proposed to build 20 small shop units. Once rented this will provide vital additional revenue to run the other services. In addition, a new house and admininstration building for the Bishop of Barisal is to be built. Whilst this is being paid for by the Church of Bangladesh, their limited resources need to be supplemented.
- With increasing demand for a maternity unit, it is proposed to renovate part of the St. Anne's Clinic to provide a new 10 bed ward and maternity unit, together with a fully equipped operating theatre. Historically this was a service provided on site, but was closed in the 1970's. However, local demand has been such that, funds permitting, the new service will go ahead.
- After 100 years of service the Sisters' house at Jobarpar has been replaced with a new two storey building. This offers more modern accommodation, kitchen, library and other facilities and enables the extension of the current outreach. The visitor's accommodation will now also be upgraded.
- A new clinic, much needed in the jobarpar area, is being made ready to serve patients.
Following this the Sisters are keen to improve:
- the on-site school facilities in Jobarpar. This is expected to include the convertion of one of the former hostel buildings to provide much needed additional class rooms;
- and better disabled access to all the buildings on-site, including that of the Chapel. This is particularly important to enable good and safe access all year round, and especially in the wet season when flooding can prevent access for the infirm or handicapped.
- and provide better security by improving the boundary walls and fences and improving facilities generally.
What can you do to support us?
The Oxford Mission welcomes support in these projects and others. In particular, financial support through either ear-marked or general gifts, will enable us to bring these forward and help provide much needed assistance. Please contact the General Secretary, details of whom can be obtained here (click here)
Alternatively send us an e-mail, giving us your contact details, using the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Please note we are still having problems receiving the e-mail addresses placed in the e-mail box in the form below. Please include both your name and e-mail address in the main text - if you don't we may not be able to get back to you! Thank you for your understanding while we correct this fault!
