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Dimapur, Nagaland

Orientation on YaR and Migrant Ministry Reinvigorates Commitment in Dimapur Province

26 October 2024

Animation, Migrants and Refugees, Young at Risk,

News written by: Fr. Blasius Tete sdb, IND

On October 25, 2024, a one-day orientation on the Young at Risk (YaR) and Migrant Ministry took place at the Provincial House in Dimapur, Nagaland, aimed at revitalizing these critical ministries. Resource persons Father Francis Bosco and Father Joe Prabhu from the Don Bosco National Forum for Young at Risk, Delhi, led the program, engaging 52 participants, including Rectors and In-charges from the Dimapur Province.

Reverend Father Pampackal Joseph, Provincial of Dimapur, inaugurated the event, warmly welcoming the resource persons and setting a constructive tone for the day. Father Kapani Deli David, Vice Provincial, moderated the seminar, which ran from 8:45 AM to 4 PM.

Joe Prabhu, Executive Director of Don Bosco National Forum for YaR, started the sessions with an insightful talk on “Building a Dream and Reality for YaR in India.” Highlighting the outreach of Don Bosco institutions, which served over 230,000 children and youth in 2023-24, he questioned whether these initiatives truly targeted the most vulnerable. Quoting St. John Bosco, Prabhu stressed, “The world will always welcome us as long as all our concern is for the under-developed peoples, for poor children, for those members of society most in danger.”

Prabhu introduced a "Bottom Up" approach to encourage grassroots solutions and unveiled the 2024-25 YaR campaign, "Family is where I Belong," focused on promoting family-based care for at-risk children. He further emphasized data-driven decision-making with the Homelink DIGI platform to enhance program management.

Francis Bosco, an advocate and social activist, shared strategies to support migrant workers in North East India, especially in Upper Assam, spotlighting urgent issues like inadequate shelter, wage theft, and lack of basic amenities. He discussed initiatives like:

- Railway help desks in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh
- Assistance with government documentation and welfare schemes
- Emergency support via a national helpline (9642 372 372)
- Migrant protection forums in various states
- Partnerships with government departments and trade unions
- Pre-departure counseling and data collection in tea garden parishes in collaboration with the Dibrugarh Diocese

Prabhu also conducted a session on the Salesian Child Safeguarding Policy, emphasizing safe environments for youth. He presented a two-year compliance framework mandating Child Safeguarding Committees in each institution and regular monitoring.

The day concluded with a Provincial Community Day celebration, featuring a Holy Mass, a gathering around the Provincial, and a festive dinner. This orientation not only strengthened dedication to youth and migrant ministry but also fostered a sense of solidarity among the participants.