Once Child Labourers but Today the Shining Stars

About fifty of the 250 college going youth  who were once Child Labourers

Fr Kuriakose sdb architect of these shining stars

A reunion meal at a place where they started their schooling

A workshop on 'the land of my dream' by Fr Anil D'sa

Yesterday their toys were bricks, utensils, mechanic tools, Today they play with Books and pens

It was a reunion day for fifty College students who were once child labourers in hazardous situations. Don Bosco, Davanagere is proud of rescuing so many child labourers and giving them a future. Today there are about 250 of these are doing college studies in different colleges and excelling in studies.

Don Bosco Youth Services conducted a day of workshop for fifty college going students the aluminai  of Don Bosco, Davangere.

Gearing Up for 7th All Karnataka Don Bosco Youth Meet

Animation for the Youth Leaders by Fr Regi sdb

My contribution to the society - a workshop for the youth

Dynamics of the Youth Convention facilitated by Fr Anil D'sa sdb

Finance committee headed by Ms Veronica

Light & Sound, Arrangement, accommodation committee headed by Mr Anoop

Liturgy, inauguration, conclusion programme committee headed by Ms Vinolia

Reception & publicity Committee headed by Mr Naveen

Cultural programme committee headed by Mr Felix

The Salesians, under the auspices of Don Bosco Youth Services, Karnataka, have begun preparations for the 7th Karnataka Don Bosco Youth Meet to be held at Don Bosco, Tumkur, from 26 to 29 April 2012. About 600 youth from institutions and services associated with the Salesian Family are expected for the event. The meet has as its theme, ‘Youth for a Better World’. The preliminary meeting held at the Provincial House on 22 January had ten participants. The second meeting, held on 5 February and attended by about 25 including confreres and youth, put up 7 committees for more effective organization of the event. More details have been worked out in the third meeting held at Don Bosco, Tumkur, on 26 February. It was attended by 34 youth and 18 youth animators from 22 Salesian presences including FMA. Besides animation in common, the committees met by themselves to chalk out details. The Salesian Sisters (FMA), the SMI and the MSMHC are also being invited to the event. Fr. Anil D’Sa, Director of Don Bosco Youth Services (Karnataka), is the Director of the Convention. The various committees are headed by the youth themselves. It is hoped that the event will fill the young with fresh energy and enthusiasm to be the architects of a Better World.

Youth Representatives plan for the Youth Meet 2012

Youth Representatives with the animators plan for the youth Convention

Youth Representatives with the animators plan for the youth Convention

Fr. Binu, Youth Director of Kerala Sharing his experience

The Second meeting to plan for the State Level Youth Convention was held on 05 February 2012 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore from 5.30 pm – 8.00pm. All the Zonal Coordinators, Youth animators from the Communities, youth representatives, youth directors, Youth Pastoral Delegate of the Province and Past Pupil’s Delegate were invited for the meeting. The meeting was held in the Conference hall at 5.30pm. The meeting began with a prayer led by Rev Fr K.O Thomas sdb (Vice Provincial). Fr Anil Welcomed all the participants and requested Fr C.P. Varghese SDB (the former ICYM Youth Director of Bellary Diocese) to animate the meeting. There was a self-Introduction session followed by reading of the report of the first meeting. Fr Binu Scaria (Director, Don Bosco Youth Services, Kerala) Shared his expertise in conducting the Convention at Kerala.

Kristu Jyoti College was the venue decided for the convention since the community was not willing to host the convention due to lack of space for accommodation and water scarcity it was decided to request the Don Bosco, Tumkur Community. The dates were finalized as 26^th April 2012 Thursday 4.00pm – 29^th April 2012 Sunday 4.00pm. Various committees were formed by participants volunteering to be members. The responsibilities of different committees were discussed and head of the committees were chosen.

Since the venue chosen for the convention was Tumkur it was decided to have the next meeting at Tumkur with expanded committee members on 26^th February 2012 Sunday 11am – 4pm. 

Well begun is half done - First meeting for the Youth Convention

Participants of the First meeting for the Youth Convention

The first meeting to decide on the State Level Youth Convention was held on 22 January 2012 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore at 9.30 am. All the Zonal Coordinators and the youth representatives and a few past youth directors were invited for the meeting. The meeting was held at the council hall at 10 am. The meeting began with a prayer led by Rev Fr Jude Anand sdb. Fr Anil welcomed all the participants and introduced the agenda for the discussion. Fr CP Varghese and Fr Jude shared their past experience of conducting youth Conventions. So far there have been six state level Youth Convention in Karnataka and the participants unanimously voted to have 7^th Don Bosco Youth Convention this year.

It was decided to have a full three day Youth Convention in last week of April 2012 and the venue suggested was Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore. After a long discussion the theme for the Convention emerged as “Youth for a Better World”. In the three day convention it was suggested to dedicate each day to particular theme.

Thus first day could be dedicated to ‘Knowing Don Bosco as the friend of youth’

Second Day “Know yourself” and the

Third day “Make a difference in the World”.

Various topics which could be dealt as an input session were discussed

Organizing committee of BOSCO Kid Convention planning to excel

Core Team is being briefed about the Children's Programme

Fr KO Thomas (Province Youth Delegate) sharing his expertise

BOSCO Kids displaying talents at the sports day of Resurrection School, Bangalore

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BOSCO Youth Services at the Service of the poor children at Govt Schools

Inauguration od the summer camp at Govt School at Chitradurga

Fathima School at Bangalore Starts BOSCO Kids

BOSCO Kids of Fatima School, Hosakote Bangalore attending the animation programme

BOSCO Kids of Fatima School, Hosakote Bangalore attending the animation programme

Don Bosco Youth of Lourdunagar united for a Better World

Members of the Don Bosco Youth Group at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Lingarajpura

Don Bosco Youth animating the Children

Gratitude Day for BOSCO Kids at Holy Angel's School

Students of Holy Angel's School, Bangalore on the Gratitude Day

BOSCO Kids Unit -1 with the Principal, the Animators and the State Director

BOSCO Kids Unit -2 with the Principal and the Animators

 BOSCO Kids at Holy Angel's School observed 15 March 2012 as the gratitude day. The day began  with thanking God for all the blessings bestowed on all the students in the past year. It was a day to thank each other for friendship and harmony students enjoyed. 

Celebration of Love at Gulabi School

Sharing the joy of Christmas by cutting the cake with Santa Clause

BOSCO Kids of Gulabi School during the Christmas Celebration at Gulabi School

BOSCO Kids at Gulabi School, Bangalore had a very meaningful Christmas celebration with message programme and inspiring talks by the students as well the the dignitaries.

Evaluation meeting of the BOSCO Kids Convention

Members of the Organizing committee - BOSCO Kids Convention 2012

The members of the organizing committee of the BOSCO Kids Convention 2012 met together to evaluate the programme. All the members felt that the convention was well organized and all carried out well the responsibilities assigned to them. There were a few suggestions for improvement and better programme next time.
Thanks to all who extended their support to make this programme a mega success.

Culex 2012 – Cultural Exchange Program at Kerala

Participants of the Culex 2012 – Cultural Exchange Program at Kerala

Fr Regi taking session on My Culture my way of life

Presentation of my culture - Group activity

Group discussion - Best in My Culture

Getting ready to go for Cochin Darshan

Karnataka youth returning with memorable experiences

The Bosco Youth Services Teams of the province organised a colourful cultural exchange program at Vaduthala on 13, 14 & 15 January 2012. It was the second time that such a program was organised in collaboration with BREADS and Bosco Youth Services, Karnataka. Participants from Karnatka, Kerala, Europe and America meaningfully shared about their cultures. It was a youthful program with lot of learning, fun, group activity and prayer. The program was inaugurated by Fr. Devassy Chircakel (Rector, Don Bosco,Vaduthala). The sessions were taken by Fr. Regi, Fr. Joffie, Fr. Anil, Fr. Antree, Fr. Paulson and Fr. Binu. Bro. Deepu enhanced the meeting with his spontaneous and powerful interventions. Youth Mass, visit to temple, family visits and Taize prayer were the golden moments. A yoga session by Renish was one of the most appreciated. Kochi Darshan, a journey through the backwaters, gave them nostalgic moments to cherish. Camp fire, collage and the cultural extravaganza helped the members to appreciate each other better. 65 vibrant youth participated actively in the program. The Youngsters Group of the Youth Centre at Vaduthala, came in with valuable contributions. Fr. Babu Manissery and his team facilitated a comfortable stay for the participants. At the end of it, the participants await the dates of the next cultural exchange program.
Fr. Binu Scaria

BOSCO Kids against Corruption – 5th State Level Convention

Participants making Pledge

Chief Guest Justice M F Saldanha Addressing the gathering

State Level Office bearers of BOSCO Kids with Fr Vice Provincial

Appreciation certificate for the particiapnts

SSLC Toppers were awarded

SSLC Toppers were awarded

All were served delicious Meal in the noon.

About 1000 children from 70 schools from Karnataka

Cultural programme by Mariam Nivas Students

Dedicated animators from different School were the cause for the success

“Be Truthful to be Fruitful” – BOSCO Kids against Corruption was the theme of the 5th Karnataka State Level BOSCO Kids Convention held on 5 February 2012 at St Charles School Auditorium, Lingarajapura (Bangalore). Justice Michael F. Saldanha (Former Justice of Karnataka High Court) was the chief guest at the function, inaugurated by Fr. K.O. Thomas (Salesian Vice-Provincial) and presided over by Fr Thomas Anchukandam (Salesian Provincial of Bangalore). Fr Mari Joseph (Karnataka Regional Youth Director, ICYM) and Rev. Sr. Genevieve (Secretary, Karnataka Regional Commission for Education) were also present. Three SSLC Topper BOSCO Kids from three schools were awarded during the function.

It was a gathering of nearly 800 Bosco Kids from more than 60 schools of Karnataka. The Convention began with an inspiring prayer service led by Fr Jerald SDB followed by the formal inauguration. The children were divided in to 25 groups, each group having a value as their team name. A powerful session on anticorruption conducted by Fr. Binu Scaria (Director, Don Bosco Youth Services, Kerala) was well appreciated. Group Dynamics by Fr Siju (Youth animator of Don Bosco, Ajjanahalli) made the children agile and cheerful.

The afternoon session consisted of two-hour non-stop cultural programme, interspersed with thematic dances and skits on corruption, performed by the participants. During the valedictory function, Fr K.O. Thomas (Vice-Provincial) gave away awards to those schools regular for the BOSCO Kids’ monthly activities. All the animators were appreciated and were presented with a memento for their valuable service to children.

“BOSCO Kids movement is growing in quality and quantity. Today’s programme was an excellent show of intelligence and talents,” said Sr. Rani of RTC School, Frazer town, Bangalore. “Convention was well conducted. It is a life-time experience for our students,” said Fr Jude Anand sdb (Principal, Don Bosco School, Chithradurga) who came with 50 BOSCO Kids who presented an awesome cultural programme. “I am proud to be a BOSCO Kid and will always live by the values I learned being a BOSCO Kid,” said Kirana (the State Level President of BOSCO Kids).

The programme came to a close with the tea at 4.00 pm. Later the Catholics had opportunity to participate in Holy Eucharist.

The programme was coordinated by Fr. Anil D’Sa (Director, Bosco Youth Services, Karnataka).