NEWS
In the heart of Guwahati, amidst the tranquil beauty of the Brahmaputra river, a beacon of hope shone brightly on a crisp March morning. Organised with meticulous care and dedication, a one-day seminar on mental well-being with the theme “Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives” unfolded at the esteemed Don Bosco Institute, Kharguli, Guwahati. The event drew a diverse crowd, including priests, religious, teachers, university students, youth leaders, staff, and lay leaders from various parishes and Salesian centres. Led by Fr. Marcus, the Youth Commission delegate of the Province of Guwahati, the event commenced with an aura of warmth and reverence as distinguished guests and esteemed resource persons were welcomed with traditional ‘phoolan gamochas’ and bouquets.
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.
Don Bosco National Forum for the Young at Risk organized a transformative two-day seminar on 20 and 21 September at the Don Bosco Youth Animation Centre (DBYAC) Ennore, Chennai, for over 90 enthusiastic participants from the eleven Provinces of India. The theme, "Enhancing Mental Well-being of Young at Risk,"ignited a powerful dialogue on nurturing the mental health of youth. The psychological services of Chennai Province Niraivagam facilitated the seminar.
In a historic collaboration, the West Bengal Correctional Administration, Don Bosco Prison Ministry, Don Bosco Tech Society, and Schneider Electric Foundation have initiated a ground-breaking program at the Dum Dum Correctional Home. This transformative partnership recognizes the potential of skill training to empower inmates and enable them to envision a brighter future through gainful employment.
In a powerful demonstration of unity and unwavering dedication to safeguarding the Rights of Children, Dimapur, Nagaland, witnessed an inspiring walkathon organized by AIDA for a Child-Friendly Dimapur on September 23. The event was designed to raise awareness about the fundamental rights of children, foster community solidarity, and champion the cause of a pristine and secure environment for the younger generation.
The Don Bosco YaR (Young at Risk) Leaders’ Orientation was held at Don Bosco House SPCI, New Delhi, from 27 to 29 July with 30 Salesians and lay people. Father Patrick Lepcha discussed the Salesian Youth Ministry services, targeting challenges like peer pressure, depression, and lack of self-confidence while recognizing the importance of quality education.
The Young at Risk (YaR) Commission of the Salesian Province of Chennai organized YaR Day 2023 on the theme, "Choose Life. Not Drugs", on February 26, 2023. The aim was to spread awareness of substance use disorders among children and young adults. The programme was held at Don Bosco Beatitudes, Vyasarpadi, Chennai.
The Salesian Provincial of Bangalore Province, Father Jose Thomas Koyickal sdb, blessed and laid the foundation stone for the new building at Don Bosco Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on September 20. Don Bosco Veedu (house) is a venture by the Salesians to educate and empower the deprived and the underprivileged of the society in Thiruvananthapuram.