Introduction

The Don Bosco National Forum for the Young at Risk Annual Conference 2025 brought together 105 child rights advocates, social workers, educators, and youth leaders for a two-day dialogue on how to engage the community and the upcoming generation to create an enabling environment for the vulnerable young individuals. Rooted in the Salesian ethos of accompaniment and compassion, the conference sought to convert field experience into a systematic and collective action plan.

Day 1, 7^th October 2025

The first day focused on engaging with the Community to create an Enabling Ecosystem for Young at Risk.

The conference began with a keynote address from Ms. Madhulika Jonathan on child vulnerability, systemic risks, and collective actions. She described how poverty, environmental crises, and digital exposure intersect to endanger children’s lives, particularly in disaster-prone regions. Addressing the growing threat of digital vulnerability, she called for parents and educators to become vigilant ‘digital guardians.’ Referring to national frameworks like Mission Vatsalya and the POCSO Act, she emphasized that policy must be matched by coordinated implementation. Her reminder that child protection is a shared social commitment set a unifying tone for the conference.

In Session 1, Dr. Sangita Mahanta of USTM (University of Science and Technology Meghalaya) spoke on strengthening systems and communities for child protection. She stressed that while India has a robust legal framework, laws must be backed by community ownership. Teachers, she argued, serve as first responders in identifying vulnerability, and community institutions such as child protection committees and panchayats play a critical role in sustaining protection. She concluded that’ laws may protect, but communities sustain that protection.’

Session 2, led by Ms. Enakshi Dutta, Director of Roots to Branches, explored mapping and leveraging community assets for youth empowerment. She introduced community asset mapping and the PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal) framework as tools to identify local strengths. Ms. Dutta urged participants to combine skill training with value-based education, emphasizing that empowerment lies in ‘the awakening of responsibility and the courage to act.’

In session 3, Ms. Rachel Kabi discussed the community’s role for Young at Risk using the Positive Youth Development (PYD) model, competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring. She stressed that empowerment grows within caring communities and through youth participation, mentorship, and family strengthening. Her statement, ‘When a community can protect its children without waiting for external aid, true empowerment begins.’ Deeply resonated with participants.

A panel discussion on Salesian reflections and missions’ alignment, moderated by Fr. Joseph Manipadam, brought together representatives from Salesian Family groups, Sr. Arati Rabha FMA, Sr. Lisa Elavunkal MSMHC, Mr. T.K. Devasia, ASC, and Mr. Valerian, ADBPP. They reflected on Don Bosco’s vision of empowering youth through education and accompaniment. Discussions highlighted vocational training, entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship, and the continuing relevance of the Salesian preventive system grounded in reason, religion, and loving kindness.

An artwork competition for the young people residing in the institutions of Don Bosco across India was conducted. The artwork was displayed during the conference, and the evaluation was carried out by three prominent individuals: Fr. Patrick Lepcha, youth delegate DBYA, Ms. Chinmoyee Haloi, Assistant Secretary DBI, and Mr. Ravi John Hembrom, Faculty of Youth and Education DBI, coming from different backgrounds but attached with one mission- upliftment of the young at risk. Two young individuals were awarded, and the others were acknowledged with participation certificates.

The day ended with the award ceremony for various categories nominated for achievements of the year 2024-25, with Fr. Lukose Cheruvalel awarded the lifetime achievement award.

Day 2, 8^th October 2025

The second day focused on engaging with Youth Leaders to create an Enabling Ecosystem for Young at Risk.

Session 1, conducted by Ms. Lavina Lyngdoh, examined community-led mobilization and interventions on substance use and behavioural challenges. She reframed youth behaviour as potential to be guided rather than a problem to be controlled. Through participatory exercises, she identified risks and protective factors and advocated life skills training, parental guidance, and digital literacy programs. Her message, ‘youth behaviour is not a problem to be fixed but a potential to be guided,’ summed up the session’s spirit.

A youth voice panel, moderated by Fr. Dr. John Parankimalil, featured Mr. Ravi Hohn Hembrom, Ms. Jyotirmoyee Bhuyan, Ms. Roset Guria, and Mr. Susi Bernard Marandi. The panellists shared experiences of unemployment, mental and physical health challenges, and social exclusion. The session concluded that youth must be recognized as partners in progress rather than passive beneficiaries.

In Session 3, Mr. Phungkha Basumatary presented the capacity development of community volunteers and youth leaders. He explained frameworks such as the Social Behaviour Changes (SBC) and Social Ecological Models (SEM), stressing empathy and cultural sensitivity in program design. His insight, ‘Culture is dynamic; our approaches must evolve with it,’ captured the essence of adaptable engagement.

A social impact performance was organized for the students in the colleges of Guwahati. Two groups participated, and they were evaluated by Fr. Patrick Lepcha, Ms. Priya Hansepi, and Mr. Ravi John Hembrom.

The day ended with a Silver Jubilee celebration of Snehalaya Centre for Child Rights.

Conclusion

The two-day conference successfully blended policy, pedagogy, and practice. Day one established conceptual and systemic foundations through discussions on laws, community empowerment, and Salesian values, while day two brought forth practical perspectives through voices and behavioural framework.

The emerging key conclusions are:

• Protection is collective and participatory, sustained through collaboration among families, schools, and communities.
• Resilience grows from within communities, not through external dependency.
• Youth are co-creators of transformation, capable of leading social change with empathy and purpose.

The event reaffirmed Don Bosco’s enduring philosophy of education with love, reason, and presence, concluding with a collective goal to protect, empower, and uplift every child and young person, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Prepared by: Moumita Roy Choudhury (National Program Coordinator)

Fr. Joe Prabu SDB

Executive Director

DB YaR Forum