How a Small Catholic School Transformed a Village in Meghalaya

Meghalaya, May 12, 2026: In Mawlynrei village under St. Dominic Savio Parish of Nongrah in the Shillong Archdiocese, one small decision would eventually change the life of an entire community.

The village, home to around 1,300 Khasi families, had only one parish-run school located at the centre. While many children could attend, those living in the southern part of the village, known as Dong Sharum, struggled every day because of the distance.

For many families, education slowly became difficult to access.

Most villagers were agricultural farmers, while some managed small businesses for survival. A few worked as teachers or in government offices. But despite the challenges, the people of Mawlynrei would soon begin a journey that would reshape not only education in the village, but also the faith life of the community itself.

The turning point came when Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) were introduced in Mawlynrei in 2001 and 2002 by late Bishop Vincent Kympat, who was a priest at the time, along with Sr. Martina Thabah MSMHC.

As the BEC leaders listened to the struggles of families during meetings and Gospel sharing, one concern became impossible to ignore — the future of the children living in Dong Sharum.

Seeing their difficulty, the BEC leaders decided to act.

Mr. Joseph Makdoh, the Ragbah Balang (village catechist), who later became the Parish BEC coordinator, and Late Mrs. Jenevibe Marboh, who served as Secretary, took the lead. The village was divided into eight blocks and eight BEC units were formed.

Together with other BEC members, the leaders organised meetings, mobilised funds, and eventually built a small school with a tin roof.

The school was named St. Joseph’s School.

On February 20, 2003, the school officially opened with Ms. Brigida Mawthoh as its first teacher. Her salary was just Rs. 300 per month, contributed entirely by the BEC members.

What began as a small nursery school slowly grew over the years.

Today, St. Joseph’s School has classes up to Class V with seven teachers receiving regular salaries through contributions from BEC members. Children from the farthest parts of the village now study there before continuing their education in the main parish school, which has since been elevated to a Higher Secondary School.

At the same time, the number of BEC units in Mawlynrei has increased from eight to fifty.

But the transformation of the village did not stop with education.

Before the introduction of BECs, many faithful in Mawlynrei were hesitant to participate in church activities. Leadership responsibilities were carried by only a few individuals, while most remained passive. Church activities largely depended on the Rangbah Balang, and family prayers were conducted without Bible reading or reflection.

Catechism teachers were difficult to find, programmes were few, and many viewed church responsibilities as belonging mainly to the clergy. Even community cleanliness was often seen as “not my business.”

Sacramental preparation was done only in the church by catechists and religious sisters.

Over time, however, the presence of BECs began to change the mindset of the village.

Today, many faithful actively participate in church life. Men, women, and youth take up responsibilities in rotation, while the Rangbah Balang now supervises many activities carried out by the laity themselves.

Family prayers now include Scripture reading and reflection. Catechism teachers are no longer difficult to find, and the community regularly organises faith and cultural programmes, including Bible quizzes and skits.

The faithful now speak with a deeper sense of belonging — “My Church” and “Our Church.”

Sacramental preparation takes place within different blocks and is led by the faithful themselves. Community service, cleanliness drives, and care for the village have also become part of daily life, reflecting the growth of a participatory and BEC-centred Church.

What began with concern for children unable to reach school eventually became something much bigger — a transformation that touched both the social and spiritual life of an entire village.

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By Catholic Connect Reporter