DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY OF SALESIAN SISTERS, GUWAHATI (FMA-ING)
DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY OF SALESIAN SISTERS, GUWAHATI (FMA-ING)
Auxilium Reach Out (ARO) owes its existence to the vision and compassion of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, Guwahati Province — a community that has, for decades, carried forward a deep commitment to education, healthcare, and the upliftment of the marginalized across Northeast India. Today, the Province's work spans 18 schools, 3 colleges, a rehabilitation centre, and an orphanage, reflecting a legacy of service that reaches far beyond any single institution.
Founded in 2003 by Sr. Lucy Rose and registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, ARO was established as the province's dedicated response to the deeper development needs of the region — needs that go beyond the classroom or the clinic, into the everyday struggles of rural and tribal communities across the Northeast. Over more than two decades, this vision has grown into a movement that now reaches some of the most remote and underserved corners of the region, bringing dignity, opportunity, and hope to tens of thousands of lives.
ARO's work today spans four states — Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland — across 22 districts and 35 sub-centres, touching the lives of nearly 90,000 people, including 30,000 women, 25,000 children, and 35,000 youth.
This work is built on three pillars that shape everything ARO does: Rural Development & Livelihoods, Gender Equity & Protection, and Disaster Relief & Health Response. Together, these represent not just programme areas, but a shared belief that lasting change happens when communities are given both the means and the confidence to shape their own futures.
At the heart of everything ARO stands for is a simple, guiding conviction: "Empowerment for a Just and Equitable Society." It is more than a motto — it is the quiet, determined spirit behind every school reopened, every livelihood restored, and every voice given the confidence to speak up for its rights.
We commit ourselves to empower the poor and marginalized, particularly women, youth and children by networking with likeminded organizations on issues of livelihood, human rights, education, health care and environmental protection.
Envisaging an informed and transformed society where everyone enjoys equality, liberty, fraternity and social justice.
Patron
Co-Founder, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA)
"Nothing seems tedious when done out of love for God."
Every mission needs a heart, and ours beats in the story of a simple farm girl from Mornese, Italy. Mary Domenica Mazzarello was born in 1837 into a peasant family, working the fields alongside her father from a young age. Life gave her no privilege, only faith, hard work, and an unshakable love for God and for young people — especially those the world had overlooked.
A severe illness in her early twenties changed the course of her life. Unable to continue the physical work she once did, she turned instead to teaching young girls sewing, prayer, and the basics of a dignified life. What began as a small sewing school in her hometown grew, quietly and steadily, into something much larger.
In 1872, together with St. John Bosco, she co-founded the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) — a community devoted to the education, care, and upliftment of girls and young women. She passed away in 1881 at the age of 44, leaving behind a spirit that has since spread across five continents. She was canonized a saint in 1951.
Key Milestones & Timeline
Launched operations in Guwahati, Assam, establishing the foundation for long-term rural development, gender equity, and disaster response programmes.
Moved into independent institutional premises, enabling the expansion of community outreach programmes across 29 centres in 5 distinct zones across Assam and Manipur.
Partnered with CAPART to transition from general awareness to practical, employable skills, initiating structured vocational courses in tailoring, embroidery, weaving, fabric painting, and tie-dye.
Scaled vocational programmes to certify 289 trainees, with 255 receiving industry-recognised certification from Usha International Limited. Integrated livelihood programmes expanded to include kitchen gardening, organic farming, and livestock rearing.
Established anti-human trafficking activities across 30 villages in Assam, including awareness campaigns and the formation of Anti-Trafficking Vigilance Committees, Child Protection Committees, and Parent Vigilance Groups.
Deployed healthcare and mobile ambulance services to 40 remote, interior tribal villages in Kokrajhar (including Sorolpara, Rigenkotha, and Ultapani) to bridge critical maternal and child health gaps.
600 women supported through training, resources, and accompaniment to establish sustainable organic farming and livestock management across 3 locations in Manipur.
Provided emergency relief, food, and hygiene supplies to over 1,500 families across 10 centres in 4 states during the pandemic, while sustaining continuous learning tracks for school dropouts.
Registered the first Women Cooperative Credit Society and opened a Women Cooperative Shop for 200 agrarian women in Khoupum Valley, Manipur. Established the ARO Finishing School, training 125 candidates — securing 50% placement in the textile industry and 40% into self-employment.
Provided immediate humanitarian aid to 1,500 individuals displaced or affected by ethnic violence in Manipur. Launched the Y-Lead Academy, training 842 youth in life skills, leadership, basic computer literacy, and entrepreneurship. Provided 13 vulnerable families with safe and permanent housing.
Distributed sewing machines as start-up capital to fashion design graduates, and expanded sustainable organic farming and livestock programmes in Khoupum Valley.
Trained and deployed 20 Para-Legal workers across 10 vulnerable villages in Assam, helping community members understand their legal rights and access government welfare schemes.
