The programme began with an orientation session led by Fr George and Fr Ajay, who presented a comprehensive overview of the district’s socio-economic context. Special attention was given to the state of education in tribal regions, with discussions focusing on geographical isolation, seasonal migration, inadequate infrastructure, and challenges related to access and continuity in schooling. Alongside these difficulties, the facilitators highlighted the resilience of tribal families and their strong commitment to educating their children despite long-standing constraints. This foundational input equipped the novices with a critical framework to approach the exposure with awareness and respect.

Following the orientation, the novices undertook field visits to several villages and educational institutions. In Dhadgaon, they visited multiple ashram schools, where they interacted closely with tribal students and staff. These visits opened spaces for honest and meaningful conversations, as children spoke about their daily routines, household responsibilities, educational experiences, and aspirations for the future. Such exchanges offered the novices a realistic understanding of both the opportunities and the limitations that shape rural education.

The encounters soon moved beyond observation to active participation. The novices organised games, taught action songs, and joined the children in dance and group activities. These shared moments of joy and enthusiasm fostered connection and mutual respect, transforming the visits into lively and relational experiences. The energy and presence of the novices brought a visible excitement to the school environment, reflected in the children's joyful faces.

The rural exposure programme, facilitated by Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra, will continue over the coming days with further village visits, institutional interactions, and guided reflection. By integrating contextual orientation with grassroots immersion, the initiative seeks to nurture social awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of tribal realities among the novices, laying a strong foundation for meaningful engagement and reflective learning.