by Father Johnson Kshirsagar for BISMumbai

Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha [BSVS] Walvanda with the assistance from Manos Unidas-Spain started a project for the tribal youth of 21 villages in Jawahar block of Palghar District for 'rebuilding the lives of poor tribal youth through promotion of individual livelihood ventures and entrepreneurship development education'.

On 06 February 2021, one such YCC was inaugurated at Jawahar (Gorwadi) by BSVS Director-Father Anaaclete D’mello in the presence of Chief Guest Chandrakant Randha, Vice-Chairman Jawhar Panchayat Samiti. The programme was attended by. Over 100 boys and girls along with the women leaders from Pada and cluster level federation participated in the opening ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Randha, congratulated BSVS and its development ventures for the past 0ne decades and appreciated the starting of Youth Contact Centre in Jawahar and said, "it will definitely improve the situation of tribal youth by constant support of information and knowledge and opportunities for upgrading their life skills for a better future."

Youth Contact Centre is one of the important activities of the project. And through 02 Youth Contact Centres, about 2000 youth (1000 boys and 1000 girls) will be reached. Youth Contact Centre is a:

• A contact place for youth to get connected for self development and for promoting youth voluntary actions.

• A place displaying information on the employment availability, recruitment, information on Government schemes, placement services, etc. Which can be easily accessed and youth can take prompt action.

• A library and reading room which will have news bulletins, periodicals, newsletter, magazines and periodicals on subjects like agriculture, agro-based ventures, placement and recruitment advertisements, government regulations. Youth can update their knowledge and information.

• A place where a youth can get facilities for typing, assistance to upload and download applications for recruitment and for availing Government schemes and other secretarial support.

• A place for training and conference facilities for youth to get knowledge and skills input on issues of agriculture, livelihood opportunities, entrepreneurship, income generation activities, etc.

• A place for youth to get career counselling, guidance, expert advice and overall assistance.

• A place to call their second home based on spirit and pedagogy of Saint John Bosco.

Project Coordinator Chandrakant Gangurde concluded the inauguration programme with the vote of thanks, after which refreshments were served to all the participants.