by Cleric Nevelle Coutinho for BISMumbai

The ‘Online Boarding’ in Dominic Savio Boys’ Home, Andheri, began with a ‘Google Meet’ on 19 July, with Rector Father Brian Moras addressing all the boarders.

The Boarders interact with the staff and the community of Dominic Savio Boys’ Home on ‘Google Meet’ on Thursdays and Sundays. Catechism classes are taken for the boarders on Thursdays, on the 'lives of the saints' prior to the group meeting. On Sundays, various competitions and interactions take place apart from follow up of the academics.

Marian Month was inaugurated on 23 July with an introduction, prayer and a video song presentation on ‘Google Meet’. Father Moras gave a talk on Mother Mary and declared the Marian Month 2020-2021 open. During the meeting the new boarders were welcomed and the results of the winning team of the previous year were declared. At present there are 47 boarders. The boarders are divided into 04 teams in Juniors (Std VI,VII & VIII) and Seniors (Std IX & X). The election of the team-leaders was done by the team members through Google forms. The boarding leaders were installed and took part in the oath-ceremony on ‘Google Meet’.

The boys are regularly followed up in their studies and supported through tuitions and remedial classes. The families in need of help are provided with rations. The boys who cannot attend online classes due to lack of availability of devices, have been provided with tabs. Online Boarding has been a way wherein the community and the staff of Dominic Savio Boys’ Home make themselves available to the boarders assuring them continual love and support during the lockdown.