Anand Raj MATUNGA, APRIL 6, 2009: Bosco Plus, a training and placement programme for youth from slum communities, initiated by the Development Office in April 2008, reached an important milestone yesterday, April 5, with the launching of the Bosco Yuva Sanghatana – a youth movement comprising all the fo
rmer students of this programme. Over a hundred youngsters were present for this function which was held at the Provincial House, Matunga. The programme began with Mr. Melvin Pangya, Bosco Plus Coordinator, welcoming all the youngsters. Fr. Anaclete D’Mello then decalred the Bosco Yuva Sanghatana open. Explaining the objectives of the Sanghatana, Fr. Savio Silveira said that this youth movement was being launched so that all the past students of Bosco Plus could stay in contact with one another and that Don Bosco could keep providing these youngsters with additional trainings and placement opportunities. He also stressed that a 
key aim of the Sanghatana was to make the young people protagonists of youth development. Some of the past students then came forward to share their experience of the Bosco Plus training and how it had influenced their lives. Next, there were two guest presentations, one by Mr. Nitin Sawant from Max Life Insurance and the other by Mr. Robin Thomas from Tata Trent. Both the speakers focused on the present day opportunities in the job market and the type of skills and attitudes required for a successful career. Finally, Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Rector of Provincial House, addressed the youngsters. He called on them to become leaders and agents of change in their own localities. He also announced that the Maschio Mem
orial Foundation would award scholarships to deserving candidates from the Sanghatana who wish to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Social Work. The last segment of the afternoon was a cultural programme which included a fashion show, dances and songs. There was high energy all around with the youth clapping and cheering as the performers put up a spirited show. The programme came to a close with the youngsters expressing their thanks to the Bosco Plus team, not just for the training they had received, but more important, for having now brought them together into a youth movement. They stated that they were thrilled to belong to this youth movement that focuses on youth development.
rmer students of this programme. Over a hundred youngsters were present for this function which was held at the Provincial House, Matunga. The programme began with Mr. Melvin Pangya, Bosco Plus Coordinator, welcoming all the youngsters. Fr. Anaclete D’Mello then decalred the Bosco Yuva Sanghatana open. Explaining the objectives of the Sanghatana, Fr. Savio Silveira said that this youth movement was being launched so that all the past students of Bosco Plus could stay in contact with one another and that Don Bosco could keep providing these youngsters with additional trainings and placement opportunities. He also stressed that a 
key aim of the Sanghatana was to make the young people protagonists of youth development. Some of the past students then came forward to share their experience of the Bosco Plus training and how it had influenced their lives. Next, there were two guest presentations, one by Mr. Nitin Sawant from Max Life Insurance and the other by Mr. Robin Thomas from Tata Trent. Both the speakers focused on the present day opportunities in the job market and the type of skills and attitudes required for a successful career. Finally, Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Rector of Provincial House, addressed the youngsters. He called on them to become leaders and agents of change in their own localities. He also announced that the Maschio Mem
orial Foundation would award scholarships to deserving candidates from the Sanghatana who wish to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Social Work. The last segment of the afternoon was a cultural programme which included a fashion show, dances and songs. There was high energy all around with the youth clapping and cheering as the performers put up a spirited show. The programme came to a close with the youngsters expressing their thanks to the Bosco Plus team, not just for the training they had received, but more important, for having now brought them together into a youth movement. They stated that they were thrilled to belong to this youth movement that focuses on youth development.