Summer Camp for the children of BOSCO Nivas was held at St. Xavier School, Shivajinagar, Bengaluru, from April 22 to 26, 2019. Fr. Regi Jacob, Director, BOSCO Nivas, advised the children to be more empowered with the learnings from the camp. Fr. Mathew Thomas, Executive Director, BOSCO, Bengaluru, exhorted the students to be observant and be different and learn something new from the camp.
An activity was conducted based on the right to protection. Resource person Mr. Arul Das, an artist, a journalist and a renowned craftsman conducted craft activities for the older children. Children, especially the adolescents were told about the importance of learning the art of defending themselves. In this context, Karate Instructor Mr. Lingappa conducted a class on Martial Arts. Ms. Fatima Azghar, Founder, Evolved, conducted ‘Mindfulness’ session to increase children’s observation skills and concentration. The session held by Mr. Ajith Kaikeni, Director, Buoyance, an organization working with children and for children stressed the importance of being unique, developing life skills, trust and confidence.
Children were taken to Christu Seva Sangam, Tasker Town to show them their responsibility towards their parents in their old age and to develop a social responsibility. The session conducted by Dr. Ali Khawaja, Chairman, Banjara Academy, motivated the children to believe in themselves and taking pride in being an Indian.
Ms. Sarita Vaz, CWC-2 Member addressed the girls on the role of child helpline. Volunteers and Salesian Brothers conducted activities thus engaging the children in several organized games, besides providing the kids an opportunity to showcase their innate talents through dance and song.
At the Valedictory Function, Mr. Saurabh Jain, Motivator and Educator, exhorted the children to have a goal in life. Ms. Kathyayini Alva, PSI, Upparpet Police Station, informed the children about runaways, their fate and child trafficking. Sixty-seven children from Ambedkar Huts, Mackan Compound and Nehrupuram areas participated in the camp. Br. Subin, Br. Albin and volunteers from Christ College supported BOSCO Nivas staff in organizing the camp.