By Tr Francis Dsouza for BIS Mumbai

 The students of Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul, organised a vibrant and impactful Community Outreach Programme as part of their ongoing commitment to community service and social responsibility, with the goal of creating a positive change in society. As part of this initiative, the Grade IX students visited the community residing at Tata Nagar, near Konkan Bhavan, Sector 20, Belapur, Navi Mumbai, while the Grade XI students reached out to the residents of Panchsheel Nagar, Sector 20, Belapur, Navi Mumbai.

The outreach programme served as a valuable platform for students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experiences through meaningful engagement with the community. Under the guidance of dedicated teachers and coordinators, the event aimed to cultivate empathy, compassion, and active citizenship among the participants, while addressing the unique needs of local residents.

Conducted on Saturday, October 11, 2025, the initiative involved around 300 enthusiastic students who interacted with underprivileged children, women and elderly citizens using well-prepared questionnaires focusing on academics and financial awareness. They focused on the themes of Health of community members and Finance. They used posters to present a presentation on health and hygiene.

The collective efforts of the students, parents, the school management, teachers, staff of the Don Bosco Development Services (DBDS) – coordinator and field officers and local authorities ensured the smooth and successful execution of the programme. Fr Barnabe Dsouza – Rector of DBN and Mrs Kalyani Chaudhuri – Principal DBN are the driving force behind this initiative.

Towards the end of the day, the students shared their reflections, expressing how the experience deepened their understanding of community life, social responsibility, and the importance of service to others. The outreach programme truly exemplified Don Bosco’s vision of nurturing individuals who embody values of care, solidarity, and holistic growth.

Reflections summed up by the teachers

The programme culminated in a profound realization among participants that knowledge alone is insufficient for meaningful change. The most significant insight gained was the understanding that bridging the gap between knowledge and accessibility is essential for achieving true empowerment within communities.

 This visit helped us understand the harsh realities of poverty and the struggles many families face every day. It made us realize how fortunate we are to have access to education, clean surroundings, and basic comforts. We also felt a sense of responsibility to contribute in some way—through awareness, education, or small acts of help—to improve the living conditions of such communities.

 It was a good exposure to the real-life situation of vulnerable sections of the society through this outreach program. Students interacted with the residents to understand their day-to-day challenges. They showed passion and empathy towards the people especially women and children. It was an extremely successful initiative.

 Students’ interactions with underprivileged children, women, and elderly citizens made them truly appreciate the privileges and opportunities they have. The experience inspired them to use their knowledge, time, and skills for the betterment of others and to contribute meaningfully to society.