BIS # 3416 YAR ANNUAL NATIONAL SEMINAR INAUGURATED

BIS Mumbai                                  
BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE # 3416

YAR ANNUAL NATIONAL SEMINAR INAUGURATED


Prasd SDB

MATUNGA-MUMBAI, MARCH 01, 2013:  The Annual National YaR (Young at Risk) Seminar centred on the <![if !vml]><![endif]>theme, 'Advocacy on Behalf of the Young at Risk' began at 9.30am on February 28, 2013 at Don Bosco Matunga.

The two-day Seminar, one of the major segments of the four-day YaR convention organized by Don Bosco National YaR Forum, New Delhi and YaR Commission, Salesian Province of Mumbai marks the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Shelter Don Bosco, Wadala.

Fr. Mathew Thomas SDB, Secretary, YaR Forum India, said that the National YaR Network is at a point of realization of the importance of advocacy and the pressing need to scale up efforts in this regard.
  
"Advocacy is relevant for us today and the clarion call is to get involved in the lives of people. We are called to touch the hearts of the youngsters and light a lamp in their hearts", said Rev. Fr. Michael Fernandes SDB, <![if !vml]><![endif]>Provincial, Salesian Province of Mumbai at the inaugural address.
 
Dr Asha Mukundan, Professor, TISS, Mumbai said in the keynote address that any NGO or group intending to venture into advocacy on behalf of children and young people at risk should have legitimacy, credibility, transparency, accountability and risk taking.

The inaugural function of the seminar began with a prayer dance by children from Shelter Don Bosco Wadala.  Fr. Steve Rodrigues SDB, Coordinator, YaR Commission, Mumbai welcomed the gathering and Ms Unita Doulton, Maria Ashiana, Lonavla proposed the vote of thanks. Mr Bosco Rodrigues RJ compered the program.

Over one hundred delegates from seventy six Don Bosco YaR centres and various networking organizations were present for the program.
                                                   
                
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