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

NUTURE, EMPOWER, CELEBRATE

Disha Don Bosco Kawant celebrated Women’s Day on March 7, 2011 at Don Bosco, Kawant. More than five hundred women were present for the event. Practically all from the Disha Self Help Groups. The day began with the registration, followed by fete games organized by the Scouts and Guides of Don Bosco School. The women thoroughly enjoyed the games. The most interesting part of the fete games was that the women who were not ambitious in winning the game got the maximum prize coupons.
Simultaneously, Disha Don Bosco organized Sickle Cell Awareness Programme for all the women. Three hundred and eighty women volunteered to do the blood testing for the Sickle Cell. At 12.15 p.m an Awareness Programme was held in the school hall for all women on Sickle Cell by Mrs. Sunita P, head of the Sickle Cell Awareness Programme for Kawant Taluka. The cultural programme was held after the awareness programme with the distribution of the prizes for the Best Self Help Group and the Best Adivasi Group Dress. The winners for the Best Self Group were Gayatri Self Help Group from Jamli and Ramdevpir Self Help Group from Limdi. Best Adivasi Group Dress went to Geeta Self Help Group from Nanichickli.
The chief guest for the occasion was Mr. Milind Gupte (NABARD: Regional Director from Vadodara district), who gave away the prizes and gifts for each of the self help groups. He encouraged women to come forward to learn different types of courses that NABARD has introduced in these last few years with the help of Disha Don Bosco and be empowered in all possible ways. He gave examples of great women in India who are holding high position today in this competitive world. Women should not feel shy but come forward to be leaders and take advantage of all the schemes and projects that the govt. and other NGO’s have introduced on a regular basis. Disha Don Bosco is the first NGO to register all the fifty SHG’s in the Mangalam Project introduced by the N. Modi in his vibrant Gujarat 2011. Women can make a difference in everybody’s life. Let’s help them to be the change we want to see in this beautiful world.

TRAINING WORKSHOP ON SOCIAL AUDITS

Disha Don Bosco organized a one day training programme on December 30, 2010, for the Vigilance and Monitoring Committee (VMC) members of the different villages in the Kawant Taluka, at Don Bosco Kawant from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as part of the ongoing Governance Project. Of the hundred and ten VMC members who were invited for the workshop, eighty five persons were present. This relatively large turnout was a good indication that the village leaders are interested in knowing about the NREGS. The resource persons for the day were Mr. Shailesh Parmar and Mr. Sanjay Parmar from DRISTI. The topics that they covered were the roles and responsibilities of the committee members, functioning of the NREGS, Social Audits and problems related to Social Audits.

The training programme began with a video film on a Social Audit that was held at Varnagaam, Dholka Taluka. This was followed by a presentation on the roles and responsibilities of the VMC members vis-à-vis the NREGS. It was surprising to note that some of the participants were not even aware that they were members of the VMC in their respective villages and had no idea regarding their role in this scheme. Mr. Shailesh explained in detail the functioning and responsibilities of the VMC members and how they should conduct a Social Audit. He gave examples of Sabarkanta Taluka, where people took the initiative of following up the social audits with the help of NGOs and this resulted in much benefit for the villages. Problems and difficulties related to payment, muster roles, work order and job cards were expressed by the VMC members. The resource persons answered their questions and also presented them with strategies to tackle these problems. Mr. Sanjay Parmar concluded the workshop with a film on Social Audits that was held in Sabarkanta Taluka by Unnati. The participants expressed their gratitude to DISHA Don Bosco for organizing this awareness programme

Leslie: A Friend, A Coach and A Benefactor

Just few days back, I happen to see something extra ordinary about this simple man, Mr. Leslie, that my heart compels to write something about him. As Salesian, who are called to work for young people, made me feel a bit ashamed when I saw his dedication, hardwork and commitment.
Mr. Leslie has been a football coach in Don Bosco Matunga for many years and he is still faithful to his work. When Br. Ramesh D calls him to coach our rathwa boys and girls, he makes it a point to sacrifice all his works and benefits just to be with them. What is more surprising is the fact, that he doesn’t take a single pie, plus he spends his own money to come here and he gets lots of coaching material for kids. His bag is always full of clothes for the boys when he comes for coaching and he goes empty. Even at the last minute, he makes it a point to travel by general compartment, without getting proper sleep to be with us. There are other institutions who call him during the diwali and summer vacations but his heart and mind is in the mission to serve the poor tribal boys and girls. His commitment is amazing. He gets up early in the morning and coaches till 12 p.m. and then again he starts at 4 till 7 p.m. His hard work and commitment is amazing. He doesn’t make any fuss about the food or travel. Very simple and un assuming. He makes it a point to know where the boys and girls have reached during the tournament and if any material is needed for the kids, he makes it a point to send it from Mumbai. The Salesian Community is amazed at his dedication and commitment towards our Rathwa boys and girls. Praise worthy. Can we see this same commitment in our Salesian? The lay people today are really doing well without any benefits or perks. We need to learn from them and be like them. Time has come to look at the other side of life and learn from them.
Gregory Almeida sdb

Coaching camp: Preparing Tribal kids for the Nationals

In the field of sports Don Bosco Kawant has been exceptional this year especially in Hockey and Football, as our teams were the champions in the District level.
To sustain this performance of our kids there is a coaching camp held in our campus for our kids during the Diwali holidays. Our kids are sacrificing their holidays to improve themselves in skill and stamina so that one day they to may reach Delhi to play in the National’s just as their seniors did. This coaching camp was fully planned by Bro Ramesh D sdb. He makes arrangements for coaches to come and give training to our Adivasi kids who are ready and willing to learn.
We have 3 coaches that comes all the way from Bombay to train our kids, each sacrificing their time for the love of our children here in Kawant, Gujarat. They are Leslie, Javed and Michael. It is through their special guidance and presence our children have picked up the skill and insight to the game they are learning. The kids are having a good 8 hours training in the day. That is from 6:00 am till 11:00 am in the morning and then 4:00 pm till 7:00 pm in the evening. The good number of hours of training is helping our kids to gain skill, accuracy and a lot of stamina.
All the sacrifice, pain and hard work put in by our children will surely pay back in the future. We wish them all the very best as they pursue their interest in sports and for the tournaments they shall partake in the future.
Shawn D’Lima

Mini Boscoree at Don Bosco Kawant

In preparation for Boscoree, which will be held in Dimapur in the month of December 2010, there was a preparation camp held in Don Bosco Kawant, from the 30th of October 2010 till the 2nd of November 2010. 2 schools participated in this camp i.e. Don Bosco Kawant (24) and Don Bosco Chotaudepur (31).
The camp schedule was prepared according to the Boscoree schedule so that the scouts and guides familiarize themselves to the needs that are required. In the schedule there were March pass, Theme presentation, Camp fire items, Cultural songs and dance, Gadgets making, Pioneering projects and Cooking competition. The scouts and guides got a really good picture and idea on what was being demanded from them and what was going to happen in the Boscoree which will be held in Dimapur.There were 4 patrols in the camp and among them there was a really good competition in all the activities and projects that were conducted for them.
The theme of the Boscoree this year is Peace on Earth. Educating the younger generation of the importance of peace and respect for life is very important and all this is reflected through the skits and charts that are made by the scouts and guides. Through the skits and charts a lot of beautiful values were conveyed about love for life, animals, nature and one another. The camp though for a purpose i.e. preparation for the Boscoree was indeed fun and enjoyment for all, as they just finished their first term in school and they were all set for some practical activity.
The children at the very out set enjoyed themselves as they got themselves in union with nature. Gadget for all the kids were something very interesting as they were making use of all the natural resources to get themselves organized in the camp. In the hike the kids enjoyed trekking and woodcraft signs and the many games that were organized during the journey. Pioneering project in a very special way was a discovery for all the scout and guides, as all the theory of knots and lashings had all become practical. The grand camp fire was enjoyed by all the kids as they each performed contributing something that was their very own.
At the end of the camp the Lion patrol appeared to be the champions of the whole event that was held. This patrol represented Don Bosco Kawant. In the second place was the Tiger patrol representing Don Bosco Chotaudepur.
My personal experience about this camp is geared towards the motto Be Prepared and the Scout Laws. A good scout or guide who has all this in born talents or develops them within them does not make only a camp successful but also his/her life. Once a scout, always a scout.
By Shawn D’Lima sdb.

Tribal Teams to Represent Gujarat at National Hockey Tourney

VADODARA: Two teams from the tribal belt of central Gujarat have been selected to represent Gujarat at the national level hockey tournament to be held in New Delhi.

Teams from tribal talukas of Kawant and Chhota Udepur of Vadodara district have been selected for the forthcoming Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament which will be held at Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi.

A girls team from Don Bosco, Chhota Udepur, and a newly formed boys team from Don Bosco, Kawant, will represent the state in the tournament. Interestingly, it is for the ninth time that the girls team from Don Bosco, Chhota Udepur, is representing Gujarat at the national level hockey tournament. Students from these tribal talukas have been trained by chief hockey coach T C Pothiwala.

The teams have been trained by Sports Authority of Gujarat at special training camps. So far, nearly 350 girls and boys from Don Bosco, Chhota Udepur have participated in various state and national level tournaments.

Read more: Tribal teams to represent Guj at national hockey tourney - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/Tribal-teams-to-represent-Guj-at-national-hockey-tourney-/articleshow/6811484.cms#ixzz13Y4MeVW1

Don Bosco Kawant Gujarat State Champions U-15

A fruitful result was seen after all the hard work put in by our boys to achieve such a memorable task. Being the district champions of Vadodara taluka, they qualified to play the state tournament matches which were held in Don Bosco Narukot on the 25th to the 28th of September 2010. Hours of practice brought confidence in the eyes of our boys. In the state tournament matches they defeated Surat 3-0, Ahmedabad 2-0, Gandhi Nagar 4-0, Narukot 1-0 and Rajkot 2-0 to achieve this title as State Champions of Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Cup Under 15. To achieve this feat is very difficult in todays world as the number of good well equipped schools are increasing. Our team in its simplicity has won great fame inspite of the tough competition. We thank all our coaches Bakesh, Javed,Bro Ramesh and Cl. Shawn who assisted and supported team through their journey of success.
We also thank all our benefactors and volunteers for providing us with all the necessary equipment that has helped us to reach such good results. We wish our boys all the best as they journey to Delhi to play in the National Level, Jawaharlal Nehru Cup, representing the Gujarat State.
Congratulations Boys we are proud of you’ll.
Cl. Shawn D’Lima sdb

Extra Ordinary Visitation to Don Bosco Kawant

The 12th of September 2010 was a say of blessing for the house of Don Bosco Kawant as Fr Maria Arokiam, the regional of the South Asia of our Congregation, came to our community in the name of the Rector Major.Fr Maria was welcomed solemnly at the entrance gate of our Institution. There was then a Rathwa dance from the gate to the boarding hall expressing the culture of this place. Fr Maria and Fr Vinod were escorted by the Salesian confreres residing in the place.
After a short break there was the holy Eucharist with the Salesian family. Just after the mass there was a small program expressing love and gratitude to Fr Maria for his presence among us. Fr Maria then encouraged our people with his inspiring talk. He was touched by the work that was done in Kawant. He was also very happy as he distributed the prizes that were received by our institution in the field of sports as this year the school had won 5 major tournaments. After the short program Fr Maria planted a Neem tree in front of our boarding hall that showed his love for nature and so also leaving behind a mark of love and gratitude for his behalf.
He visited villages where we were working and was touched by the effort that was made by us to reach out to these children in the VEP. The children of the Nakal village in turn expressed the love they had for Father Maria through a short program that was organized by them for him.
Fr Maria then meet the confreres of Kawant personally. Then he meet the Salesian family and thanked them for the lovely work they were doing in this mission land. The Salesian family also out of love and gratitude towards Father Maria expressed it through the gifts they had brought for him.In the final conference where he met the whole community together, he read the report of the community. He then motivated the confreres and asked them to evaluate the work they were doing. He made us aware that we were religious and so also men of God and that we were different from Social workers.Fr Maria’s visit to Kawant was a memorable one and our community was blessed truly blessed by his coming.
By Shawn D’Lima sdb

Training on Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan at Kawant Don Bosco

Twenty-nine development staff from across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh met at DISHA Development Centre (Don Bosco Kawant) for a training session on the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA) and the newly-enacted Right to Education (RTE). The centres represented were Kawant, Chhota Udepur, Kapadvanj, Alirajpur and Jhabua.
The aim of the session was to gain an understanding of the provisions of the SSA and RTE, and to learn how to enable people in the villages to secure their right to education under these programmes. The first resource person for the day was Ms. Rita Bhatt, the Director of the NGO ‘Abhiyaan’ (Baroda). She stressed on the need for development workers to secure people’s participation to ensure the success of community-based programmes. She also explained that the SSA does not confine itself to mainstream students but also has provisions for children with special needs. The challenge is to secure the correct enforcement of these provisions despite government apathy.The second resource person was Mr. Ramanbhai Rathwa, the head of the SSA Block Resource Centre of Kawant taluka. He explained the structure of the SSA implementation system, and also the roles of people’s committees such as the Village Education Committee. The staff understood that a significant amount of money is sanctioned by the government for educational facilities; however, the quality of education remains low.
The program gave the participants the chance to understand two different points of view—that of the government and of an independent NGO—on the functioning of the education system. The staff from all the centres thanked Fr. Gregory Almeida and the development team at DISHA Kawant for organizing this program.
Lyra Pinto

Filling Colours in the life of VEP Kids

Give every thing your best short, is my motto. Ya! of course some times there is no time to prepare things but in that little time how to make the best taught come is really cool. Also it is important to have the resources. I realized the most beautiful part of my experience with the kids of VEP is their approach towards me. Their life is very simple and for them my visit to means a lot to them. The little time that I have spent with them is always remembered by them and that is what makes me feel so much special. I plan my trip in a small way. I have realized that they love to fill colours in drawings and more especially any things which got to do with art and drawing. All colorful things do matters to them a lot and any activity that is lively like yells and claps do make them feel great. In all this I feel great and my experience with them is really nice. I realized the sacrifices the masters are doing to teach these children. I also realized the sacrifices the children are taking to make it to these study centers. These children though small have a lot of other responsibilities and they are mainly to help out in the fields or take care of the younger siblings that are there at home. In all this I feel really privileged to meet these children and do something to cheer them up. Filling colours in their small little lives makes a huge difference. By Shawn D’Lima (Assistant at DB Kawant)

Chak De Kawant

On the 2nd of August 2010 the U16 football team of Don Bosco Kawant bagged the 1st place in the Gramin cup to be the best team in the district in this level. This is the first time they have won this tournament bringing fame and glory to our institution. In this tournament there were 14 teams participating and was held in Don Bosco Chotaudepur. Their first game was with Royal International of which they won 1- 0. In the Semi final our boys played against St Paul International where they won 2 – 0. The final match was against Navrachana, where they won 4 goals to 0. The flag of Don Bosco Kawant stands high in the field of sports. We are proud of the performance of our students.
Don Bosco Kawant shines in Hockey as they bagged the first place in the U14, U15 and U16 tournament of the Gramin, Jawaharlal Nehru and Bal tournament respectively. The U14 and U15 tournament was held Baroda on the 1st of August 2010 and the U16 was held in Don Bosco Kawant on the 2nd of August 2010. The hard work, zeal and effort of our boys have surely brought fame and glory to our institution. They shall bow represent the district in the state tournament in the next month. We wish them all the best in their future games.

Don Bosco Kawant Shines On

On the 1st of August 2010 the U14 football team of Don Bosco Kawant bagged the 1st place in the Subroto Cup to be the best team in the district. This tournament consisted of 14 teams and was held in Vigbhour International School Baroda. Our school will now represent the District and if successful also the state in the near future.
The U14 boys of Don Bosco Kawant played with a cool head as they won the Quarter final 4 – 0 against Royal International. The Semi final was against Navrachana which they won 2 goals to nil. The final was against the home playing team Vighbhour where they won 5 goals to 0.
Don Bosco Kawant is presently the best football team in the Gujarat state as it is the second time we have won the tournament in 2 years. They were keen in defending their title and they did it well. Last year they represented the state in the national event. Let’s see how what’s in stored for them this year.

Joel Philip: A Volunteer to Remember

This month we had an Indian volunteer, Joel coming from London for one month mission experience to Don Bosco Kawant. Some years back, Joel belonged to Makarpura Parish but around five years ago, together with his parents he went to London for further studies. Joel shared some of his thoughts before coming to Kawant. First of all, he had two months of summer vacation and thus he had to save some pocket money before coming to India. Now he plans to go back to London and work for one month as a Manager of Pizza Hut to save some pocket money again for his further studies at university. He said that youngsters abroad learn to stand on their own feet once they are 15 years old. They start working in different places like; in pubs, cafeterias, restaurants and also distributing newspapers etc. They do this to earn some pocket money for their studies as well as for personal entertainment.
Joel began his experience by visiting the villages of Kawant taluka in the morning where the village education project was run by the Salesians. Then in the afternoon he used to teach Basic English to the 6th Std. Later on in the evening he used to coach the basketball team of the school. Then again in the evening he used to teach Basic English for 8th Std. Indeed a tiring job yet an enriching experience. The boarders in the end expressed their thanks and gratitude by putting a cultural dance as a farewell gift. Joel promised to be back once again next year. Joel we miss you… do come again!

Love seen in small things

Just happened to see a beautiful sight this morning as I was walking down the road. Roshan, a boarder from Std. 6th talking to a small puppy, trying to making him feel at home in this beautiful world. All of us need little sparks in our day to day lives to make us feel happy and joyful, it means getting down to the little ones. It is difficult yet enriching. Love is seen in small things.

Skill Development and Livelihood Programmes

Although agriculture is the main occupation in these areas, its profitability is limited. Therefore, we enable people to supplement their incomes by promoting agriculture related occupations such as animal husbandry, dairy, veterinary practice, horticulture and vegetable farming.Many of the youth of this area, even if they are educated, find it difficult to get jobs as they do not have the vocational skills demanded by the market. To address this situation, KES conducts skill training programmes such as; tailoring, driving, computing, jewellery making and mattress making projects.

School and Boarding

The school and boarding for adivasi children ensure that students from the surrounding villages have access to quality education and can go on to build stable careers. Besides their studies, the children develop their personalities and interact with people from various fields. They also have plenty of opportunities to play, sing, dance and enjoy their childhood to the fullest.At present, the school has a total of 375 students. Of these, 210 are coming from the boys boarding which is run by the Salesian fathers, 104 are from the girls’ boarding run by the sisters, and 61 are day scholars. There are 9 teachers and 2 boarding masters. Special achievement done by the Under 14 football team is by becoming state champions and participating in Under 14 Subroto Cup in Delhi. Education in the school too has improved this year by once again getting 100% SSC results.

Youth Activities

Youth from the villages, whether they are educated or not, often find themselves without a job. So, they either resort to manual labour or remain unemployed. Don Bosco Kawant is trying to reach out to these young people by sending them for vocational training to industries that will guarantee them jobs.REDP and MEDP projects under the guidance and support of NABARD is helping youngsters and women to achieve their desired goals. Driving classes, jewellery making, mattress Making, nursery training, mobile repairing are some of the features of the REDP and MEDP projects. MORD project under the guidance of DBDS is helping youngster in getting employment.

Promotion of Self Help Groups

A Self-Help Group (SHG) is a small voluntary association of poor people, preferably from the same socio-economic background. They are groups that come together because of some common interest, usually for the purpose of solving their common problems through self-help and mutual help. It acts as a forum for the members to provide space and support to each other. Until recently, the focus of the community organization work has been the formation and training of SHGs. Don Bosco Kawant currently facilitates 90 SHGs in 27 villages. These groups come together to deposit their savings, take loans, acquire basic literacy and explore possible livelihood opportunities. The 50 groups formed with the help of NABARD have all been evaluated and graded and their performance is consistent. The groups meet every week to learn accounting and book-writing, and also organize events like women day