Don Bosco Kawant: February 2012

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Don Bosco Community

Anand Melo: Finding JOY in little things at DB Kawant

On the 30th of January 2012, the VEP day (Village Education Program) was held at the premises of Don Bosco Kawant for all the VEP centers of Don Bosco Kawant Institution. There were about 280 children (from 10 centers) who participated in this event. This event was co-ordinate by the Fr Gregory D’Almeida and the VEP in charge, Mr Arvind.
The day started with registration and distribution of coupons for all the little children from our VEP centers. After a while there was a prayer service in honor of Don Bosco animated by the Hostel boys of Don Bosco Kawant. During the Prayer Service the Chief Guest Fr Ranald Lopes motivated the children with his little story, on how it’s important to take the first step in doing something good even though you’d not be the one to bear the fruits. The story was about the old farmer who planted a mango tree at the edge of his field. At the end of the prayer service Fr Gregory D’Almeida welcomed the gathering and thanked each one present for the event.
The fete games were organized by the Scouts of Don Bosco Kawant for the VEP children. The children were thrilled as they around playing different games and so also winning gift coupons.
After the fete games there was the distribution of prizes. From each center there were two prizes given. One for attendance and the other for good performance in their exams. There was also the distribution of prizes that was won by them during the fete games

Following that was lunch and then a cultural program. Each centre contributed two items to this cultural program. For many children it was their first time coming up on a big stage and so they were thrilled. The children enjoyed the program as they witnessed different dances, plays, songs and mono acts that were performed.
With the end of the cultural program we came to the end of this beautiful day. The children were indeed glad and happy. Some of them were looking forward for the next time we would meet again. The next important event would be a Picnic to Baroda.
It was a beautiful experience for us, who organized this event. It made us aware of finding joy in little things as we saw in them.
Cl. Shaun D’Lima sdb

Community Organization

At present, the Kawant centre is moving towards a more people-centred approach by encouraging them to come together to address their most immediate needs; water, roads, education and employment. The key to all of these is the correct functioning of the local self government. The SHGs, (Self Help Groups) therefore, are now functioning as the starting point to preparing the community to claim their rights. They are leading their villages in preparing for and participating in their Gram Sabhas to plan development works in their village. They are also involved in understanding and demanding the implementation of the NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme). The Governance Project initiated by the DBDS, is moving in the right direction of empowering tribal people.