by Durran D’Mello with Father Glenford Lowe for BISMumbai

Lockdown and locked in! It's been more than an year now that our lives and way of living has changed due to the COVID pandemic. In these times moving out in public is unsafe. Social distancing was the norm. Once things slowly opened for outdoor activity and sports, a new space has been allotted for the Youth of the Salesian Youth Movement, Borivali.

For Don Bosco, the playground was the avenue to get into a youngster’s mind and heart. He invited them young to play, study and get closer to Jesus. He often taught them tricks and engaged with them, influencing them to be better human beings in family and in society.

Thanks to the initiative by Father Glenford Lowe-Local Youth Ministry Delegate Borivali, who insisted and made it possible for a better and spacious Youth Zone for the young. The youth now have an indoor space for recreational and fitness activities. “It feels like coming back home now, to catch up with friends, to play together, grow together and learn together," affirmed John Fernandes a sports and fitness lover.

The Youth Zone was re-opened on Sunday 25 July 2021, in the presence of 45 youth of the parish and MumbaiSalesians' Youth Ministry Delegate and Director of DBYS Father Leon Cruz Ratinam. He prayed, inaugurated and blessed the Youth Zone, which will be open daily from 6-8pm.

Father Flovi D’souza-Principal Don Bosco High School and Junior College prepared the room for youth-use. Many generous sponsors enabled the purchase of sport and fitness equipment.

This is a renewed beginning for SYM Borivali, to live its tagline: ‘Together Forward: Don Bosco Style, Gospel Directed’.