Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary

The Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary in Madurai, South India, is a long-time partner of Global Ministries. The Seminary has a very strong, positive reputation for its commitment to working with the wider community in its geographic region, and working jointly on projects promoting justice at the grassroots level by being involved with people in need. Over several decades Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary has organized and carried out outreach programs. The one that is best known is its Rural Theological Institute which was the first of its kind and has served as a model for several other institutions and churches. Another important outreach program is their Rehabilitation Center for destitute women.

It is difficult for young men and women to secure employment after high school without further studies or training. The Unemployed Young People's Association (UYPA) was founded as an outreach program of the Tamil Nadu Seminary by the first Principal, Dr. Sam Amirtham, in 1976. The Association provides professional and vocational training, including computers and driving, to help students become self-employed or find employment.

The Unemployed Young People's Association now carries out employment training opportunities for physically disabled young people, women, and children. Women in India faced many forms of violence, such as rape, dowry-related harassment, and sexual violence. There are three projects that help women to gain skills to become innovative workers who may be independently supporting themselves and their family. One project is a series of workshops to increase a woman's self-esteem. A second project, the Handloom Weavers project, provides skills development for many women who already are engaged in the handloom industry. This training teaches new design, methods, and material to suit current fashion trends.

The service sector in India is growing very fast; there is a growing demand for catering services. Therefore the Catering Training project, the third project, is a six-month training to help women improve culinary and customer service skills.