By Mrs Marie Rodriques for BISMumbai

On 19 February 2024, around 60 members of the Salesian Family conducted an outreach programme at Ashish Bhavan in Kune-Khandala run by the Salesian Sisters.

After breakfast, Sr Carol Nunes FMA welcomed and briefed the members about the various programmes conducted by them in the nearby villages which consist of around 120 families, the challenges they face, and the development that has taken place among the villagers that they are working with. Fr Diego Nunes SDB, the Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family, then introduced the sisters and gave a brief about the history of the place and the Salesian involvement. Sr Reshma Nunes FMA, the Superior, gave a short briefing of the work and mentioned that the sisters would be happy if they could get help in conducting self-help programs for the villagers which could help them earn an income.

After an entertaining performance by the children of Ashish Bhavan, the group proceeded through the village and visited the primary school run by the sisters which had a total of around 25 students. On returning, the villagers accompanied the group to the convent, where they were briefed by one of the Gram Panchayat members, who said, “Most of our children are not able to study further as they find it difficult to travel and end up marrying at a very early age, and no jobs available for the men besides construction”. She also mentioned the various programmes conducted by the FMA sisters from which they have benefited and also mentioned the help that the local government is offering them. 

The Salesian Family members then spent some time interacting with the villagers where they gained information about the lives that the villagers live and the difficulties that they face, like travel conditions of sending their children to school and spouses to work. The Salesian family members promised their support in trying to find ways the young people could enrol themselves in the various technical training courses available at the Don Bosco Institutions in the Salesian Province of Bombay.

The Past Pupils of the Borivli Unit, the members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), and the Salesian Cooperators contributed in cash and kind to this outreach. This was a beautiful way to encourage the spirit of sacrifice and sharing during the season of Lent.