BOSCO Mane organized a Care Leavers Youth Meeting at the centre on April 19, 2026. The meeting aimed to create a supportive peer network, provide emotional stability, and offer career guidance to young people transitioning out of institutional care.

Addressing the gathering, Fr. Varghese Pallipuram, Executive Director of BOSCO Bengaluru, emphasized the importance of such initiatives. He noted that structured support systems play a critical role in bridging the gap between institutional care and independent living. He highlighted that many care leavers experience a vulnerable phase after exiting formal care and encouraged them to actively engage in support platforms available to them.

Fr. KJ Joseph, Director of BOSCO Mane, outlined the objectives of the programme and facilitated an interactive session with the participants. The youth shared their experiences of living in hostels or independently, often facing significant emotional and financial challenges. Responding to these concerns, he introduced the concept of establishing a ‘Care Leavers’ Desk’ to provide continued guidance and support for youth transitioning out of care.

Further elaborating on this initiative, Fr. Varghese Pallipuram explained that the Care Leavers’ Desk would offer services such as personal counselling, career guidance, assistance in accessing social entitlements, and support in opening bank accounts. He also informed the participants about organizations like We Live Foundation and Fellowship that extend support to young people above 18 years of age.

The meeting also included moments of recreation, with a past pupil engaging the group through a rap performance and another participant showcasing beatboxing skills, adding energy and connection to the gathering. A total of 46 youth participated in the meeting, including 37 boys and 9 girls.