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The Don Bosco Young at Risk (YaR) Forum recently concluded its Annual Seminar 2024 on the theme “Empowering Families and Communities Towards Caring for Children and Young at Risk.” The two-day event, held on October 3-4 at the Alpha Pastoral Centre in Kochi, Kerala, brought together child welfare experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches to family-based care for vulnerable youth.
The seminar commenced with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Shalbin Kalanchery, Vice Provincial of Bangalore Province, setting a reflective tone for the event. In his opening address, Fr. Joe Prabu, National Secretary of DB YaR Forum, emphasized the seminar’s focus on family-based care approaches and community strengthening. Fr. Santiagu Thomas, Provincial of Hyderabad, delivered the inaugural address, stressing the importance of family involvement in Youth Ministry. Dr. M.P. Antony, a former Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR) member, gave the keynote address, advocating for community partnerships and innovative approaches to child protection. A highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the survey report “Vulnerability to Empowerment: A 50-Year Impact Journey of Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan Institutions, Kochi” by Fr. Shalbin Kalanchery, with Fr. Santiagu Thomas receiving the first copy.
The seminar featured expert sessions on critical topics: Ms. Sandhya Mishra from Miracle Foundation India discussed Child-centric Family Empowerment; Dr. Adv. Fr. Antony Sebastian, former Chairperson of KSCPCR, presented on Legal Frameworks for Alternative Care; and Fr. P.S. George, Director of ‘BREADS’, spoke on the challenges faced by vulnerable children and advocated for family-based care options.
A panel discussion moderated by M.S. Meena Kuruvila featured personal stories from individuals involved in various forms of alternative care, providing valuable insights into the realities of these care models. The seminar saw the offline poster launch of the campaign “Family is where I Belong,” followed by a pledge ceremony led by Fr. Santiagu Thomas. This campaign aims to promote family-based care and community support for at-risk youth.
On the second day, the seminar focused on practical implementations of alternative care models. Ms. Aneesha V L, Legal cum Probation Officer, presented Kerala’s initiatives in this area. Mr. Sonykutty George from UNICEF Hyderabad led an interactive session on Community-based Care Empowerment. After the session, Fr. Joe Prabu presented the participants with a video on the Homelink (DIGI) network for Don Bosco Young at Risk. Group discussions on the theme “Family and Community Empowerment” allowed participants to contribute insights on family integration, alternative care, and partnerships for child welfare.
The closing ceremony featured a valedictory address by Fr. Santiagu Thomas, inspiring participants to continue Don Bosco’s mission of supporting vulnerable youth. Fr. Joe Prabu delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts towards celebrating the 50th anniversary of Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan. Fr. Rafael Bejarano Rivera, in charge of the Salesian Social Sector in the Youth Ministry Department of Rome, presented special awards to the seminar’s coordinators and volunteers, recognizing their dedication to the cause.
The YaR Annual National Seminar 2024 concluded with a renewed commitment to family-based care and community empowerment in supporting at-risk children and youth, setting the stage for continued collaboration and innovation in child welfare practices.
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