Youth at Risk Activity Report
1. Mid-Year Evaluation on Salesian Youth Ministry (June 12, 2024 – Coimbatore)
- Held at Don Bosco Anbu Illam, Coimbatore, with 35 participants including directors, administrators, and
representatives from Miracle Foundation and Bosco Net, New Delhi.
- Focus on impact and sustainability in youth programs, with discussions led by Fr. Santhanraj SDB.
- Recognition of key contributors and transition of Fr. Casimir Raj to his new role as YaR Coordinator for
the Trichy Province.
- Presentation on standardizing child care institutions and strengthening alternative care.
2. Key Discussions from the Meeting
- Foster Care & Family Strengthening: Reference to best practices from Bosco Bangalore.
- Child Safeguarding Policy: A national policy to be shared across all Salesian institutions.
- National Research: Encouragement for completing surveys on vulnerable children.
- Staff Training: Proposed training sessions on mental health and first aid certification.
- Annual Statistics Submission: Directors to submit reports for national documentation.
- YaR Leaders Orientation: Adjustments to the annual plan for leadership training.
3. Homelink DIGI Training (July 9–11, 2024 – Trichy)
- A three-day workshop for 27 staff members from seven YaR centers.
- Focused on the Homelink DIGI documentation tool for improved data management.
- Hosted by Don Bosco Animation Centre, Trichy, with national experts facilitating sessions.
- Training included technical modules, strategic planning, and policy implementation.
- Concluded with the launch of the Homelink annual report and a mini-research presentation on child abuse.
4. YaR Sector Meeting (August 29, 2024 – Salem)
- Attended by 16 members, including representatives from CAUVERY Tiruchy and BoscoNet.
- Key discussions on staffing, funding, substance abuse in childcare homes.
- Support for migrant children: legal guidance, education, and care.
- Standardization to align children’s homes with government policies.
- Strategizing CSR fundraising for youth initiatives.
5. YaR Children Live-In Program (September 27–28, 2024 – Namakkal)
- 80 children from Coimbatore, Salem, and Moolakkadu YaR centers participated.
- Activities included campfire night, yoga, sports, cultural programs, and a football tournament won by
Namakkal.
6. Apex First Responder Training (October 16, 2024 – Tirupur)
- Organized by Don Bosco Anbu Illam, Salem, with Tamil Nadu Apex Skill Development Centre.
- 33 participants trained in first aid and emergency response.
- Certificates awarded for participation.
7. YaR Annual Seminar (October 3–4, 2024 – Kochi, Kerala)
- Theme: “Empowering Families and Communities Towards Caring for Children and Young at Risk”.
- Attended by 105 directors and staff from various YaR centers.
- Discussions on family-based care, child rights, and community support.
8. Digital Innovation Training (January 20–22, 2025 – Trichy)
- For Homelink Hub Directors and Coordinators from eight provinces.
- Focus on improving documentation and decision-making via Homelink DIGI.
- Organized by Don Bosco YaR Forum, Delhi, hosted by INT Province.
9. Consultation on Migrant Worker Welfare (Tamil Nadu)
- Gathered NGOs, trade unions, social workers, and religious leaders.
- Discussed rights, legal support, and coordinated efforts for migrant welfare.
10. Understanding and Supporting Alpha & Meta Generation Children (February 14, 2025 –
Salem)
- Training for 70 staff on adolescent psychology and modern challenges.
- Topics: substance abuse, sexuality, school dropouts, mobile addiction.
- Emphasis on bonding with parents/teachers and understanding digital influences.
- Introduced initiatives like Children’s Parliament for participatory engagement.
11. Silver Jubilee Celebration (August 2, 2024 – Moolakadu)
- 25 years of YaR service in Trichy Province celebrated with 150 children.
- Features: cultural shows, alumni speeches, address by Rev. Fr. Stefano Martoglio.
- Honoring achievements and future plans of YaR centers.
