Nitin Hingle sdb
CHHOTA UDEPUR, MAY 21, 2008: The summer season has been a busy time at Chhota Udepur. Among the many activities conducted here during this season, the English Camps occupied centre stage. The first English camp was held for the students of Stds. X and XII from April 20 to May 1. It was amazing how in a short span of two weeks some of the students were able to pick up sufficient English to manage a basic conversation. The camp closed with an impressive programme of English skits and songs staged by the students. The second camp, which commenced on May 3 and ended on May 20, was for students of Stds VI to VIII. During this camp too the young students made rapid progress, convincing us that these youngsters have a keen desire to learn English. Besides time devoted to classes and study, the students enjoyed a variety of recreational activities and moments of fun! Another highlight of the summer was the Selection Camp for new students held on May 9 and 10. A total of 221 boys and girls from the various villages of Chhota Udepur were present for this selection process to be admitted to Std. V in the Don Bosco School. These children were from the Village Education 
Programme that is conducted in 20 villages all through the year. During this camp some simple tests were conducted to aid the selection process. At the end of the two days, 100 students were selected who will join the boarding at the beginning of the new scholastic year. We do believe that education is the best investment for development! But the icing on the cake was clearly May 19, the day Fr. Elson Barretto returned to Chhota to take over as Rector from the outgoing Fr. Ivan de Souza. Fr. Elson has earlier spent 12 glorious years in Chhota and is much loved and revered by the Rathwas of this region. As he gets into the saddle once again we feel confident that he will lead Chhota into new frontiers and greater heights!