Cl. Johnson Petras Kshirsagar
WALVANDA, APRIL 19, 2012: Walvanda is situated in a "Sahyadri Mountain Range" with thick forest, high- mountains and deep valley's. It is mostly populated by the tribe like Warlies, Konkana, Katkaries. Various organizations have been working in this area for the up-liftment of the tribal's. Today Salesians are doing a wonderful work for these tribals especially the youth, under the name: Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha. The Salesians have a technical training Centre, village developments works( J.d.w) , hostel for boys, watershed projects, Balsanskar Kendra, School of Excellence, and adult Education.
A PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) and PSP (Participatory Strategic Planning) Training was conducted from April 9-14, 2012 at Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha, Walvanda, Ta. Jawhar, Dist. Thane. It was attended by Bro's. Ajay, Placidus and Johnson. The Brothers were trained in PRA, so that it may help them in their future ministry as well as in the present ministry with the youth. We facilitate this new method in order to study the existing situations and problems of the people, prioritize their problems hence make a plan to solve these issues by using PSP.
The PRA and PSP method of village development sessions were conducted by Mr. Sanjay Shide, Balu Borade and Melvin Pangaya. These sessions were very educative. They were conducted in a simple but professional manner. Various methods like Vatavaran Nirmiti, Gavachi Sarwasadharan Mahiti, Daily time table, Sandhi chitran, Rutuman Chakra, Avak-Javak chart, Sadhan-Sampatti Map, Historical time line, Village map and Parivartan Chart etc. were taught. The implementation of PRA and PSP was practically carried out in "Shishane Pandartara" village and Haladpada Village in Bahare Parish which is about eighty kilometres from Walvande in collaboration with Janahit Trust, Bahare. In the villages we began the process by gathering the people in front of the church which was followed by a rally in which slogans like "chalare chala Gaon Vikasala Chala!", "Baghta kai? Samil whaa!" were voiced to encourage the people to participate in the PRA and PSP.
Mr. Dayananda welcomed the people and informed them about the purpose of PRA and the need for development of the villages. Different tools were used to enhance the participation of the villagers. The Brothers were actively involved in this whole process. They too used some tools to conduct this PRA and PSP.
This initiative of training the Brothers in PRA and PSP was taken by Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, the Vice-Provincial in collaboration with Fr. Anaclete D'Mello.