by Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

On November 13, 2024, Don Bosco Development Services (DBDS) celebrated a joint graduation day for its skilling units, honouring 74 women from migrant communities who completed various vocational courses. The ceremony took place at the Don Bosco School auditorium, bringing together proud graduates, instructors, and distinguished guests, including Fr Barnabe D’souza, Director of Don Bosco Academy (DBA); Fr Shekar Mariadas, Administrator (DBA); Fr Allwyn Misquitta, Spiritual Director (DBA); Ms Wenonah Castellino, Advisor (DBA); and Mr Mathew George, Coordinator (DBA).

The graduates, who completed programs in Tailoring, Beautician, Nail Art, and Mehendi, were trained with the goal of promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurial spirit among women in marginalized communities. These courses, offered at both basic and advanced levels, are tailored to be affordable yet comprehensive, imparting cutting-edge skills to equip learners for careers in salons, boutiques, or as independent business owners.

The program began with a prayer, followed by a warm welcome from Mr George, who introduced the esteemed guests. In his speech, Fr D’Souza shared a moving memory from his time in Adivasi Pada, Lonavala, where he encountered a family facing severe poverty. He provided a sewing machine to the mother, empowering her to create clothing for her family and others. Fr D’Souza encouraged the graduates to document their learning journeys in pictures and videos to inspire others to pursue careers through skill development. Fr Misquitta added to this message, urging the students to be a “rose to someone but never a thorn,” while Fr Mariadas motivated them to build their independence through focused career growth.

Ms Castellino expressed her happiness at the graduates’ success, noting how the beautician certificates could open doors to respected salons and careers. She highlighted the importance of personality development alongside technical skills, underscoring that these attributes could further uplift their professional lives.

One of the graduates, Preethi, shared her personal journey. She recounted the time her husband fell ill, leaving her as the sole breadwinner for her family. After completing the beautician course with DBDS, she secured a job with Urban Company, where her earnings have grown to nearly ₹50,000 a month. Preethi expressed her gratitude to DBDS for teaching her the skills that transformed her life.

Following these speeches, certificates were distributed to the graduates from various neighborhoods, including Kopri Gaon, Ekta Nagar, K K Road, Mankhurd, and in-house trainees. The students from Mankhurd also delighted the audience with a vibrant performance, and the event concluded with refreshments, celebrating the accomplishments of these women who are now equipped to shape brighter, independent futures.

This graduation marks not just the end of a course but the beginning of new journeys for the students, who are ready to step into the world as skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. DBDS continues its mission to empower women through skills, fostering hope and resilience among those striving to build better lives for themselves and their communities.