NEWS
In a significant move to address migration challenges, the Baroda Diocese organized a one-day consultation on migration at the Don Bosco Church Hall, Makarpura, Vadodara, on November 19. The event brought together priests, religious sisters, NGO representatives, trade union members, and well-wishers to strengthen collaboration and advocacy for the rights and welfare of migrant communities in Gujarat.
Since 1974, Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan, Palluruthy, in collaboration with the Cochin Corporation, has been actively striving towards the welfare of the youth and the eradication of atrocities against children in society. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this noble cause, the community organized a celebration on November 9, attended by notable personalities.
Father Francis Bosco SDB, National Director of the Salesian Migrant Desk, addressed 49 head and village catechists at a three-day training for the Diphu diocese held at Mary Help of Christians Church, Satgaon, West Karbi Anglong, Assam. Organized by the Salesian parish on October 27, the event aimed to educate local church leaders on pressing migrant issues affecting the region. Father Albert Thyrniang, parish priest at Satgaon, presented his extensive survey of 1,596 migrant workers, shedding light on the socio-economic factors driving North East youth to seek employment in urban centers.
On October 25, 2024, a one-day orientation on the Young at Risk (YaR) and Migrant Ministry took place at the Provincial House in Dimapur, Nagaland, aimed at revitalizing these critical ministries. Resource persons Father Francis Bosco and Father Joe Prabhu from the Don Bosco National Forum for Young at Risk, Delhi, led the program, engaging 52 participants, including Rectors and In-charges from the Dimapur Province.
A meeting of priests, religious, and lay leaders of neighbouring areas in Bengtol Parish on October 19 resulted in a collaborative effort to support the region's growing migrant-worker population. The meeting, which featured a presentation by Fr. Francis Bosco SDB, National Director of Don Bosco Migrant Services of South Asia, highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive and effective support systems for these vulnerable individuals.
A coalition of organizations and advocates gathered at the Provincial House in Goa for a half-day meeting to address the pressing challenges faced by distressed young migrants. This significant event, titled "Together for the Dignity of Distressed Young Migrants," brought together leaders from various sectors to share insights, discuss interventions, and plan collaborative efforts aimed at improving migrants' lives.
The second day of the National Migrant Workshop, held in Mumbai on August 17, organized by the Don Bosco for Migrants (DB4M) network partners, saw a collaborative effort with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and other organizations. Together, they drew a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing migrant services, including shelter and basic needs, source and destination services, emergency helplines, data collection, networking and advocacy, workers' collectives, and social integration.
Father Rafael Bejarano Revira SDB, overseeing Social Works within the Youth Services Department of the Salesian Congregation in Italy, Rome, visited various Young at Risk (YaR) centres in the Salesian Province of Bangalore (INK). He was accompanied by Father Joseph Prabu, Executive Director of the DB YaR Forum in Delhi, and Father Francis Bosco, Joint Secretary of the Migrant Ministry within DB YaR Forum, Delhi.
Trivandrum Don Bosco Veedu Society conducted a consultation to improve quality services to Migrants in Kerala. The purpose of the Consultation was to converge the experience and expertise of stakeholders engaged in migrant services and to deliberate on the importance of networking to serve migrants. 44 persons who head various government departments and NGOs attended the Consultation. Eight leaders represented the migrant community in the district.
The innovative project from the Dicastery for Social Communications, Rome, ‘VOICES: Giving voice to the voiceless’ was inaugurated at the Don Bosco Headquarters, Delhi, on July 12, in the presence of Father Davis Maniparamben, the Provincial of Delhi, Mr AJ Philip, senior catholic journalist and columnist, Father Harris Pakkam, Director of ANS, Rome, and In-charge of Social Communication sector of South Asia, Father Ernest Rosario, South Asia Delegate for BOSCOM, Social Communication delegates of the Provinces and young people representing various Salesian Provinces.