By Ms Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

On August 16, 2024, marking the birth anniversary of St Don Bosco, Don Bosco Academy (DBA), Nerul, was honored to host Fr Savio Silveira, the Provincial of Mumbai Province. The occasion was both momentous and historic, as it celebrated the inauguration of the DB – ACE (Advanced Computer Education) computer course, a significant step in furthering Don Bosco's vision of providing educational and vocational opportunities to marginalized communities.

Fr Silveira was joined by an esteemed group of guests, including Fr Barnabe D’Souza, Director at DBA, Nerul, members of the management, guests’ priests from different parts of the province, principal of Don Bosco School, Nerul, along with heads of various departments, teachers and staff members from both the academy and the school. 

St John Bosco’s dream was to bridge educational gaps for the less fortunate, ensuring that economic barriers did not hinder the discovery and development of talent. In keeping with this legacy, the Salesian Province of Mumbai has launched the DB – ACE program, aimed at equipping marginalized youth aged 18-25 with advanced computer skills. This initiative is not merely about imparting technical knowledge but about empowering these young individuals with the skills needed to excel in today’s competitive job market. 

Fr Silveira inaugurated the DB – ACE course with a prayerful blessing, highlighting the rapid evolution of technology from the early days of email in 1992 to the sophisticated realms of artificial intelligence and robotics in 2024. He stressed the necessity of staying updated with current technological advancements, as basic knowledge of tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is no longer sufficient for career success. The acronym ACE, Fr Silveira explained, represents not just Advanced Computer Education but also a "winning card" in the professional arena.

The inaugural event also marked the beginning of a broader initiative. Fr Silveira announced that the DBA, Nerul center is the first of several planned centers, with upcoming facilities in Chinchwad, Pune, and Ahmednagar. The Don Bosco network, with its centers across Pune, Nasik, Ahmednagar, Gujarat, and beyond, is dedicated to leveraging its resources to benefit marginalized youth in both metropolitan and smaller cities.

Aryan Mhasimale, a computer education instructor, provided an overview of the course levels, while Fr D’Souza highlighted the importance of affordability, ensuring that the courses remain accessible to those who need them most. The provincial’s visit also included a tour of the tailoring and beautician courses, where he praised the students’ creativity and dedication.

This new course at DBA, Nerul, represents a significant stride in fulfilling Don Bosco’s mission to uplift and empower the less fortunate through education and vocational training.