At Yadgiri, Fr. Francis Shabu SDB, Director of Don Bosco Centre for Social Action (DBCSA), was felicitated by the Labour Department of Yadgiri District, Government of Karnataka. Mr. Mariyappa presented the award, Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), along with officials from the Labour, Agriculture, Women and Child Development, and Child Protection departments.

Under Fr. Francis’s leadership, DBCSA has been at the forefront of safeguarding child rights and promoting education in vulnerable communities.

To mark the occasion, DBCSA Yadgiri organized a massive rally with over 1400 participants, in collaboration with various government departments, spreading a powerful message against child labour and in favour of every child’s Right to Education.

In Mysore, Don Bosco Makkalalaya, headed by Fr. Jim Jose SDB, also received a special award from the Labour Department of Mysore District for its tireless work with at-risk children. The award was received by Mr. Emmanuel, District Coordinator of the Child Safety Net Project, in the presence of Usha Rani, Chief District Judge and Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), and several senior government officials.

Don Bosco Makkalalaya also led a rally involving more than 300 participants, joining hands with the Labour Department to advocate for children’s rights and highlight the urgency of ending child labour.

These twin recognitions underscore the deep commitment of the Salesians of Don Bosco to the cause of children, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized. At the core of these initiatives is BREADS Bangalore, the planning and development office of the Salesian Province, which continues to offer strong support, strategic direction, and resources—empowering its partner centres to build safer, more just futures for children across Karnataka.