Mylin Norenha sdb
ALIRAJPUR, MAY 7, 2010: A select group of 32 boys and 26 girls ushered in the new month by stepping into the campus of Don Bosco, Alirajpur for the Annual English Camp. They hope to learn some English and merit an entry into the School of Excellence (SOE). The boys and girls who had completed their Std. V from Hindi medium schools began their month long course in English on a spiritual note with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 6:15 p.m. Fr. Leslie Pereira, the Rector, welcomed the students and informed them of the three rules of the camp: 1) stay cheerful 2) stay healthy 3) speak only English.
The fathers and brothers ensured that the grand opening of the camp was not all prayer but entertainment as well. The Eucharist was followed by a family circle that was organized by the Salesians, SSpS Sisters and volunteers to welcome the students. The family circle was a wonderful potpourri of dance, action songs, comedy skits and plenty of music. Cl. Osborn, the main camp coordinator, while explaining the theme of the camp ‘Glow and Grow’, recounted the poet-sage Kabir who said that every star has the right to shine and every bud has the right to flower. The most touching moments were that of the testimonials of some of the volunteers who, as young campers, overcame their inhibitions and weaknesses to grasp English.
The well executed inauguration was an apt indicator of the many days of preparation that the Salesians of Don Bosco, Alirajpur had put in. It reflected the commitment of the community to enable every dedicated student of the diocese to have an opportunity to learn English irrespective of any financial limitations.
Indeed, the month full of songs, music, games, math and English classes will go a long way in forming good leaders who with their skills in English will attain all the success life has to offer.