By Ms Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, Don Bosco Nashik, in collaboration with Wading Through Life Funtoosh – Holistic Wellness Initiative (WTL), hosted a heartfelt Support Group Meet cum Playdate that brought together children with special needs and their parents for a day filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful connection. The gathering, held at the Don Bosco campus, Nashik formed part of the recently launched Parent Support Group, which has already witnessed an encouraging response from families eager to share, learn, and grow together.

 This collaborative effort stands as a reflection of compassion, inclusion, and holistic care, values that lie at the heart of both Don Bosco and Wading Through Life.

 At the forefront of this initiative is Ms Wenonah Castellino, Founder of Wading Through Life, a platform dedicated to supporting and empowering children with special needs and their families. A passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, Ms Castellino also serves as Advisor at Don Bosco Prafulta Psychological Services Centre, Mumbai, where she contributes her expertise in education, therapeutic integration, and vocational development.

 The event had the support of Fr Royal D’Abreo (Parish Priest – Don Bosco Nashik), Fr Leon Rodriguez (Youth Animator), Fr Pannasingh Bhuria (Program Organizer), Fr Robert Pen (Vice Provincial), and Fr Gonsalves Wyman (Rector – Nashik Novitiate).

 The Playdate, thoughtfully coordinated by Ms Smita Fernandez, began with a soulful prayer song, followed by a lively action song and dance that saw cheerful participation from both parents and children. They participated in engaging games designed for the children and the parents, that created moments of shared laughter and bonding. The energetic “Head, Knees, and Toes” game proved to be a crowd favourite, filling the venue with smiles and applause.

 A key highlight of the session was an open and insightful discussion on “Behaviour Modification”, where parents shared experiences, challenges, and practical strategies to support their children’s unique needs. Behaviour modification helps children with special needs develop positive coping skills, social interaction, and emotional control. It encourages guidance through structure and empathy rather than punishment, enabling children to build confidence, independence, and stronger parent-child bonds. An Art and Craft Session was conducted by the brothers, for the children while their parents were busy in the session.

 Beyond being a day of play, the event celebrated resilience, connection, and collective growth. It served as a gentle reminder that no parent walks this journey alone — and that together, with empathy and understanding, every challenge can be transformed into a shared victory.