JIRSONG ASONG, meaning an ‘Association of friends’ in the Karbi language, is the official Social Service Wing of the Diocese of Diphu. It was established on 4 December 1985 under the leadership of Rt. Rev. Mathai Kochuparampil SDB, then bishop of Diphu. It is a voluntary Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) registered under Societies’ Registration Act XXI of 1860, with the Registration Number 1115 of 1985-1986. It plans, formulates, initiates, implements, coordinates, monitors and evaluates all developmental projects and activities of the diocese of Diphu.
The operational area of Jirsong Asong comprises three districts of Assam: East Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. Since its inception, Jirsong Asong has been relentlessly striving to transform the lives especially of rural tribal groups and ethnic communities such as Karbi, Garo, Khasi, Adivasi, Dimasa, Tiwa, Bodo, Nepali and others living within the territory of the Diocese of Diphu.
Over the years, Jirsong Asong has grown in a big way under the directorship of Fr. George Thottankara (1987-1991), Fr. Abraham Kanattu (1991-1994), Fr. Johnson Abraham (1994-1999 & 2005-2006), Fr. Paul Mattekattu (1999-2005), Fr. Thomas Mangalassery (2006-2013) and Fr. Thomas Maripurath (2014-2018). From April 2018, Fr. Dr. Tomy Palely is the Director of Jirsong Asong.
Vision
Integral development of all persons irrespective of race, creed and religious affiliations so that they may individually and collectively reach the fullness of growth to which God has destined human persons and communities.
Mission
To uplift the poor and marginalized and form them into value based communities through spread of awareness, education and capacity building, and to empower them by promoting self-reliance based on a participatory and sustainable developmental approach.
Area of Work (Sectors of Intervention)
Education
Health
Gender
Peace Initiatives
Disaster Management
Women Empowerment
Youth Development
Vocational Training
Leadership Training
Capacity Building and Life Skills Training
Promotion of Indigenous Tribal Culture and Linguistic Heritage
Economic Development through Livelihood Generating Activities
Child Protection