The summit brought together regional directors and collaborators across the provinces to address youth employment challenges, share best practices, and develop strategies for sustainable livelihood opportunities.

A Call to Action for Youth Empowerment
In his inaugural address, Father Johnson Bashyam SDB, Provincial Counsellor for Vocational Guidance, Chennai Province, emphasized that the mission of Don Bosco's work extends beyond career guidance and job placements—it is about ensuring that every young person leads a dignified life. He called on to support employers who uphold their commitment to young workers by safeguarding their rights to fair wages, productive employment, and social protection.

Father John Christy, Youth Ministry Delegate of Chennai Province, and Father Gabriel Karunaraj, Director of DB JPN, led discussions on Don Bosco's ground-breaking Apprenticeship Contract, considered the first modern employment agreement. They highlighted that the contract was more than a legal document; it was a revolutionary step toward ethical employment and protecting young workers' rights. It set a precedent for collaboration between employers, workers, families, and educators—an alliance that inspires today's Salesian mission.

Adapting to a Changing Workforce
Mr. Jawahar Michael, an HR professional with 30 years of experience, provided invaluable insights into the evolving labour market. He stressed that the skills required today may not be relevant tomorrow and underscored the Salesians' unique role in equipping young people with adaptability, resilience, and ethical values. "If we anticipate future trends and act now, we can ensure that no young person is left behind," he said.

Fr. Joe Anand SDB, Director of Vazhikaatti Chennai, emphasized the importance of career guidance for schoolchildren. He pointed out that many young people from underprivileged backgrounds struggle to access information about higher education and career options and said, "By mentoring and assisting them in navigating admissions, scholarships, and career pathways, we can build a strong foundation for their future."

Father Daniel Sebastian, SDB, Director of Vazhikaatti Trichy, stressed the need for personalized guidance to help young job seekers understand their strengths and find suitable opportunities.

Public Service and Ethical Leadership
Father A. Raj SDB, an Honourable Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission member, urged young people to consider careers in public governance. He emphasized that guiding youth toward civil service careers could profoundly impact society, aligning with Don Bosco's vision of forming good Christians and honest citizens.

Sustainable Career Development through Innovation
Father Joseph Leo SDB, Executive Director of Surabi, introduced the 3i Model—Individuals, Institutions, and Industries—as a comprehensive approach to sustainable career development. He explained how integrating free, professional, and hybrid service models ensures long-term accessibility and impact.

Meanwhile, Father P.T. Joseph SDB, Webmaster of the Don Bosco South Asia web portal, highlighted the importance of a strong digital presence in expanding the reach of Salesian employment initiatives. He underscored that in today's digital world, visibility translates to opportunities. He said, "By enhancing our online platforms, we can connect with more young people, engage with potential employers, and showcase success stories that inspire."

Learning from Best Practices
The summit also provided a platform for regional directors to share innovative approaches and localized strategies for career guidance and job assistance. Each region demonstrated how they are creatively addressing youth employment challenges, bridging skill gaps, and connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities. Father Gabriel Karunaraj presented a consolidated report of the DB JPN forums, stating that they have assisted more than 25,000 youth in securing decent and dignified jobs and have provided career information to over one lakh students through the forum.

A visit to the JD Academy of Excellence, an initiative by the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore dedicated to civil service exam preparation, further reinforced the importance of structured training and mentorship. The team also explored the impactful work of Don Bosco Vazhikaatti, Broadway, gaining deeper insights into its career guidance and job placement services.