The program is unique in that it provides wrap-around support to achieve success

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Navajeevan, located in the St. Joseph Province of Hyderabad, are working with poor youth living in the community’s 10 slums. The high school drop-out rates among these youth are the result of social, economic and cultural situations that require the youth to contribute to their families’ incomes rather than gaining an education, a situation which only perpetuates the cycle of poverty and illiteracy.

Child labor is widespread and exposes youth to exploitation and extremely dangerous conditions. To counter this, Salesians promote education, protection and opportunities for growth among the youth. Comprising of a team of Salesians supported by social workers, educators and lawyers, Don Bosco Navajeevan focuses on the holistic development of youth, ensuring they understand their rights and are able to gain the education they have been denied.

A recently established program helps youth for two hours every afternoon to bolster what they learned in school. Youth from all 10 slums have access to this tutoring program, one which provides snacks and also the necessary school materials. Participants also have access to recreational activities such as summer camps and youth club activities two Saturdays a month.

To ensure enrollees get the most out of the program, Salesians conduct follow-up visits with participants’ parents to reinforce the importance of education and monitor attendance and performance. The program also provides psychological support with workshops on self-esteem, anger management, creative thinking and more.

A Salesian explained, “It’s so much more than an education program. There are wrap-around services that help youth attend school and remain in school. We support the families too with nutrition support and monthly medical check-ups as well as awareness-raising activities on hygiene and health issues.”

Some of the activities of the program are aimed at the entire slum. Salesians facilitate events for everyone during the Children and Adolescents Rights Week and have formed groups such as a Children’s Parliament and an Adolescents Parliament, a Mothers’ Committee and a Local Action Committee. Salesians also routinely distribute informational material on childcare programs. All of these activities aim to promote the importance of education and ensure that families have what they need so their children can attend school.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

ANS – India – Hope in the slums

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India