NEW BOARDERS CAMP

We began the New Boarders Camp on the 28th April 2013 with 21 new entries to the boarding. This camp is to give an experience for many of these youngsters who have not been to a Salesian Boarding and how a day is in the life of this boarding at Dominic Savio's. 

Together with Bro. Michael and Sir Haydn who are the main organizers, there is also Master Jarryd Joseph and Master Alvin Mascarenhas who are helping out with logistics and the program. 

The youngsters look smart and bright and have been into the events from the first day itself. One of them has been feeling homesick being away from home for the first time.

They started the day with ice-breakers and games to get them together and to learn the names of one another. Then a round of the entire campus to see the boarding and the school and to have an idea of what is what and where.

In the evening on the first day, being a Sunday we had the Eucharist with all the youngsters participating and singing the hymns well. Fr. Rector touched on the theme of the Eucharist, 'Love one another as I have loved you'.

In the night a short life of Don Bosco was screened for the boys to let them have an idea of who Don Bosco is and what was his mission in life.

The second day was more a day that one would have in a boarding: Breakfast, recreation, study, classes etc. Mrs. Dorothy Dias our past Supervisor of the Primary School was present to take class for the youngsters and test their English language.

It was a busy day for them and though it was tiring, they seemed to enjoy themselves. There is still a day and a half left for them before they say their goodbyes. 

After the camp there will be a selection for the new intake of boarders and the results of the same will be known to them by mid-May.

I would like to personally thank Bro. Michael, Sir Haydn, Masters Jarryd and Alvin for their valuable time and for being with us during this camp.

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DAY: DON BOSCO BALPRAFULTA

20th April 2013, was special day in Don Bosco Balprafulta as it was ‘ Annual Thanksgiving day’ Several NGO’s represented by their staff and a few stake Holders, who assist Don Bosco Balprafulta whilst working on Child Rights participated. 

The Annual Day began with the welcome Address given by the Rector of Dominic Savio. Rev. Father. Godfrey D’souza. who welcomed the gathering and appreciated the efforts put in by the team members. The day’s Programme was well synchronized with a mix of children’s dance and skit performances based on the theme of Street children which gave much food for thought. 

The program next in line was the Annual report presentation which traced the various activities taken up by the organization; next was a short movie presentation made by the staff of Don Bosco Balprafulta, on the Theme of the Annual Day “ Street Child whose responsibility?” This was followed by The Chief Guest Sir. D. Tripathi, Secretary of Maharashtra State commission for protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) a Gandhian who spoke elaborately on the growing phenomenon of slum children on streets and a Gandhian philosophical approach for addressing the problem.

To highlight the Annual Day; was a public debate on the current trends and challenges and way ahead of street children. This was preceded by Don Bosco Research Centre presenting the major findings of the Rapid Assessment Study (RAS) in Mumbai, study on home placement and study on drug addiction in collaboration with National Commission of Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) 

Important trends such as slum spill over to the streets, prevalence patterns and measures recommendations in each of these studies were highlighted. The program continued with a panel discussion; the panelists comprised of – Mrs. Mrinalini Kher Hon. Secretary & Trustee of Kherwadi Social Welfare Association and co-founder of Yuva Parivartan spoke about Changing Face of Street Children in Mumbai.

Ms. Sunita Mhaiskar Assistant Labour Commissioner – Mumbai & Head of Child Labour Cell spoke on Prevalence of Child Labour among street children. 

Dr. Sunita Shanbag Head of PSM Department – KEM Hospital spoke about the Health and Psycho-social Trauma of Street Children. 

Dr. Deepa Bhanushali Administrative Officer Education Department - M-Ward spoke about Street children & their educational challenges. 

The debate had an interesting insights and presentation. The audience was well animated and raised many important questions which were well ably handled by the panelists. In conclusion the Chair person of the debate Rev. Fr. Barnabe D’Souza in his conclusion remarked mentioned that the responsibility to advocate for Child rights with regard to street child lies in the hands of each individual rather than the Govt. or society The programme was concluded with the Vote of Thanks given by Sr. Jacinta the Asst. Director of Don Bosco Balprafulta. The programme came to a close with a sumptuous Tea and Snacks.

STAFF PICNIC AT BOSCOWADI

The School Staff, about thirty-five of us went to Boscowadi for our staff picnic. It was a great day and time for all of us to relax and those who came had the time of their lives swimming, relaxing, plucking mangoes, and organizing a number of fun loving games that had each one on their toes.

We thank the Bosco Boys' staff for giving us a beautiful spread for lunch and for the other meals. We certainly went home with a few kilos more!!!

Looking forward to another beautiful time next year.