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‘Salesians are always here for you’, Emphasizes Father Rafael Bejarano visiting YaR Centres in Bangalore Province
Bangalore
Children's Day Celebrations at Bangalore

‘Salesians are always here for you’, Emphasizes Father Rafael Bejarano visiting YaR Centres in Bangalore Province

- Father Antony James Paul

Father Rafael Bejarano Revira SDB, overseeing Social Works within the Youth Services Department of the Salesian Congregation in Italy, Rome, visited various Young at Risk (YaR) centres in the Salesian Province of Bangalore (INK). He was accompanied by Father Joseph Prabu, Executive Director of the DB YaR Forum in Delhi, and Father Francis Bosco, Joint Secretary of the Migrant Ministry within DB YaR Forum, Delhi.

During his visit, Father Rafael shared insights into the broader context, perspectives, and structural initiatives of the Salesian Congregation's social work across multiple centres worldwide.

On November 16, they toured BREADS, the Don Bosco Development Office, where Father George PS, the Executive Director, and his team presented the YaR initiatives undertaken across various Don Bosco centres in Karnataka and Kerala. Subsequently, they visited DB BEST Academy and the BREADS Vocational Training Centre, interacting with underprivileged youth undergoing training. Additionally, they inspected a migrant camp in Bangalore East, part of the KISMAT Programme (Karnataka Interstate Migrants Alliance for Transformation).

The following day, November 17, the team visited KGF ITI, engaging in discussions with students. Later that evening, Father Revira engaged with theology students at Kristu Jyothi College.

On November 18 and 19, the team explored several BOSCO Bangalore YaR centres, which have served children in the heart of Bangalore city for the past 43 years. Father Varghese Pallipuram, Executive Director of BOSCO Bangalore, warmly welcomed the team, providing an overview of BOSCO's initiatives. Mr. John Joshua, Homelink Bangalore Hub Coordinator responsible for children's documentation in YaR centres of the INK Province, presented Homelink's documentation and data recorded from 2014 to October 2023.

The visitor was impressed by the activities conducted by BOSCO YaR sectors and Homelink Bangalore Hub in the INK province. Father Antony James Paul, YaR Coordinator of the Bangalore Province, offered a brief presentation about the YaR centres within the Salesian Province of Bangalore.

Father Rafael Bejarano served as one of the Chief Guests during the Children’s Day celebration at St. Teresa’s Girls High School, Chamrajpet, Bengaluru, on November 19. The theme of the celebration was ‘Healthy Mind, Healthy Life.’ Speaking on the occasion, Father Bejarano emphasized, “Your future lies in your own hands. You should strive to be responsible citizens. BOSCO is offering you ample opportunities to nurture your talents, so make the best use of them. Remember, Salesians are always here for you.” He conveyed regards and best wishes from Father Angel Fernandez Artime, Rector Major, and the councillors. B Dayanand IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Sri. Master Anand, Cine Artist and Director, his daughter and child celebrity Vamshika, and Sr. Jessy Merlin, Provincial SMMI, Bengaluru, graced the occasion with their presence.

The event included the presentation of the Prathibha Puraskara Award to children who excelled in cultural, social, sports, and educational fields. Various theme-based cultural programs and chance games were organized. Stakeholders recognized for their contributions to protecting and promoting child rights at BOSCO centres and service areas were honoured with the Makkala Mitra Award. Approximately 800 children from various YaR sectors of BOSCO and local service areas actively participated in the event. Father Anand SDB extended a warm welcome, and Father Joseph Dandavathi proposed the vote of thanks.

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