By Riddhi Ajay Bhatia for BIS Mumbai

On 30 May, 2025, the Social Department Team at Don Bosco Academy, Nerul, hosted the Closing Ceremony of its English-Speaking Skills Program—an initiative aimed at helping underprivileged children become more confident and fluent in English.

Held over four weeks (May 5 to May 30), the camp was organised to help children from NMMC schools and informal settlements, with 35 participants attending evening sessions as part of the oratory outreach. The primary goal was to build foundational communication skills through reading, speaking, and performance-based activities.

The curriculum focused on enhancing loud reading and writing to foster confidence and fluency. Activities like self-introductions, skits, action songs, and dance routines helped the children learn sentence formation, pronunciation, and overcome hesitation. By engaging in these expressive formats, the children gradually embraced English as a spoken language.

The Closing Ceremony took place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and was attended by key supporters and dignitaries. Chief Guest Rev Fr Adolf Furtado - Student Mentor at Don Bosco School, was joined by Mr Mathew George, Coordinator Social Services DBDS—both strong advocates of youth empowerment through education. Other attendees included Rev Fr Barnabe D’Souza – Director DBA, Fr Shekhar Mariadas – Asst Director and Administrator DBA, and Lalitha Madam, Sushma Teacher, and Rajesh Sir all of whom have been ardent supporters of youth-focused education.

The theme for the day, drawn from the Provincial's message, that emphasized the need for children to develop the confidence to speak English for better job and career opportunities. This message shaped the program’s design, which treated English not as a subject, but as a life skill essential for future success.

Students showcased their progress through loud reading exercises, nursery rhyme recitations, and a short skit on everyday communication. These performances reflected the program’s success in creating a safe and engaging environment for children to use English practically and confidently.

The initiative was strongly supported by student volunteers from St. Xavier’s College – Fort, led by Ms Kavita Wankhade, the program’s Lead Coordinator. Volunteers conducted weekly sessions and offered personalized guidance, focusing on vocabulary building, pronunciation, and conversational skills. Their dedication, combined with the children’s eagerness to learn, played a pivotal role in the program’s effectiveness.

What truly stood out was the transformation in the children—from hesitant speakers to confident performers. Their curiosity, focus, and enthusiasm were celebrated by attending parents and community members, who expressed deep appreciation for Don Bosco Academy’s inclusive approach to education.

The ceremony concluded with the announcement that the English-Speaking Skills Program would continue into the next academic year, with plans for a more structured syllabus and increased volunteer participation. The Social Department aims to expand its reach and ensure that language is no longer a barrier to the dreams and ambitions of these children.

This closing event was a powerful reminder of how education, supported by compassion and community effort, can transform young lives and open new pathways to opportunity.