BIS #1909 LEARNING TO LIVE

Gayatree Joshi
MUMBAI, JULY 6, 2010: The history of every institution consists of dots & dashes and twists & turns. On Sunday, July 4, it was one such turn for the better in its life when Shelter Don Bosco in collaboration with DILAASA launched ‘A Life Skills Program’, “Learning to live” for the Ex Shelter Boys, many of whom are a part of the Group home living project and independent living project at Shelter.
Dr. Nadi Jalali, (Onco Counselor) who is networking with many professional resource persons for this project, explained: “The life skills approach will be an interactive educational methodology that not only will focus on transmitting knowledge but will also aim to shape attitudes and develop interpersonal skills, enhance the boys’ ability to take responsibility for making healthier choices, resisting negative pressures, avoiding risk behavior, help them gain the ability for adopting a positive attitude and will enable them to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life”. The team of DILASA Dr. Ruksana, Mr. Krishna Rai, Dr. Mustaasi and Dr. Zainab will share their expert advices, conduct workshops, camps and session.
“The Youth from various Ngo’s across the city are also welcome to be a part of this program. These Modules will help the boys to know themselves better, be independent and fly off the nest like an eaglet.” said Fr. William. About fifty-two ex boys, twelve resource persons and representatives from about nine NGOs and one from the Art of Living attended the function in spite of heavy rains and mega blocks on Eastern and Western suburban railway lines and have promised to collaborate with Shelter to share their knowledge and modules.
Don Bosco Research Centre shared details of the SBI tiny card Project with the boys as a better bank saving option. In the beginning, Fr. Savio Silveira inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp, along with the representatives from DILAASA, resource persons and an ex Shelter boy.
The boys gave an enthralling dance performance at the end of the show. “Together you will mould our today... to bring a change in our tomorrow “says Master Shailesh who thanked Shelter and the DILAASA Team.