SOCIAL MINISTRY (FAST)

Fransalian Association for Social Transformation (FAST ) is a non-profit, non-governmental, secular, voluntary organization started in 2021 to foster integrated development of individuals and communities. It is the organized and explicit expression of the Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales (MSFS) of the Dibrugarh Province towards the social, economic and educational empowering of individuals and communities, particularly the underprivileged and needy in the rural and urban, tribal and non-tribal conglomerations of the North-eastern States of India, through integral development and education.

Fransalian Initiative for Integral Development in India (FAST )is the social action initiative of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales, Dibrugarh Province. The establishment of FAST gave a fresh course for social action in the Province. Various need-based projects organized by FAST like eradication of illiteracy, promotion of adult literacy programme, distribution of essential goods to the needy at the time of flood and natural calamities help the uplift of the marginalized sections.

Many activities and projects are implemented at select mission centres with greater intensity. There are also many programmes arranged for the confreres to enhance their knowledge of social ministry and how it can complement our pastoral ministry. Other projects and Programmes are undertaken by FAST India are the following: Promotion of Child Rights, Community Development through Empowerment of Women, Vocational Skill Development of School Dropout Youth, Promotion of Peace, Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) of the Persons with Difficulties (PwDs), Promotion of Health and Protection of Environment.

Taking into account the social realities, confreres have been qualified for social work. In recent years, the social ministry of the province has received a better organizational setup and more confreres have been empowered to involve in social ministry, which in fact enhances the pastoral ministry. Today the social ministry is mainly monitored by FAST India.