Rev. Fr. Joe Prabhu SDB, the DB YAR Forum Director presented on the Salesian congregation’s document titled “Works and Services for Young People in Situations of Vulnerability and Exclusion.”
The Province YAR Commission convened its meeting on Sunday 02nd February 2025 at 5:30 PM at Snehalaya, Paltan Bazar. The meeting was attended by Rev. Fr. Joe Prabhu SDB, the DB YAR Forum Director, and Rev. Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim SDB, Vice Provincial. Also present was Rev. Fr. Ignatius Gari SDB, the Migrant Desk Coordinator, along with other commission members.
The meeting commenced with a welcome speech by Rev. Fr. Lukose Cheruvalel SDB, Coordinator of Youth at Risk (YAR). He extended a special welcome to Rev. Fr. Joe Prabhu SDB and expressed gratitude for his presence and commitment to the cause.
The first session was led by Rev. Fr. Joe Prabhu SDB, who presented on the Salesian congregation’s document titled “Works and Services for Young People in Situations of Vulnerability and Exclusion.” The commission members engaged in a detailed study of the document, reflecting on the congregation’s approach to working with young people facing adversity.
The document categorizes vulnerable youth, including those in foster care and those in conflict with the law. Fr. Joe Prabhu SDB elaborated on these points through a PowerPoint presentation, emphasizing key strategies for supporting minors, youth, and families, as well as migrant, refugee, and displaced communities. Discussions also focused on identifying challenges and commitments in Salesian work for Youth at Risk (YAR), addressing medium and long-term processes, prioritizing personal development, and tackling exclusion.
The second session, led by Rev. Fr. Lukose Cheruvalel SDB, centered on Snehalaya’s integration process. He outlined steps such as child and family preparation through counseling, meetings with families and care providers, and community engagement. He also addressed the impact of government policies aimed at deinstitutionalizing children in foster care and emphasized the need for strengthening the province’s organizational structure. While networking with other NGOs was acknowledged, some members expressed concerns over its benefits primarily favoring external organizations rather than ensuring holistic gains for Snehalaya.
Rev. Fr. Ignatius Gari SDB, Migrant Youth Coordinator for the province, provided insights into his office’s initiatives to assist migrant workers transitioning from provincial centers to other regions of the country.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim SDB, Vice Provincial. He reaffirmed the province’s full support for YAR initiatives and extended his gratitude to Rev. Fr. Joe Prabhu SDB for his invaluable contributions. He also commended the Snehalaya community for their dedication and for hosting the significant commission meeting.
The meeting ended with a prayer led by Rev. Fr. Mackley Gomes SDB.
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