By Ms Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

On November 15 and 16, 2025, Don Bosco Prafulta, in collaboration with Wading Through Life, had the opportunity to conduct an Awareness Campaign at Seawoods Nexus Mall. The initiative was held in preparation for the forthcoming Mela for Children with Special Needs, scheduled for December 21, 2025. Over the two days, our volunteers actively engaged with shoppers and visitors, taking time to introduce the cause, share information, and create awareness about the event. Each interaction aimed to help the community better understand the needs of children with neurodiversity and the importance of supporting their growth and inclusion.

The upcoming event, designed exclusively for Children with Special Needs and their families, will be one of the first large-scale initiatives of its kind in Navi Mumbai. Set to take place on December 21, 2025, the Mela hopes to welcome over a thousand children along with their parents and caregivers. The program has been thoughtfully planned as an umbrella event, bringing together a diverse network of therapists, counsellors, resource persons, parents, volunteers, and well-wishers. By hosting all essential services and activities under one roof, the event aims to create a meaningful space that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and supports the holistic development of each child.

A wide range of activities and services will be available throughout the event. Children will enjoy sensory-friendly zones, adaptive sports, interactive games, and creative engagement pods designed to make them feel safe, comfortable, and included. Families will have access to screening and assessment booths, counselling corners, expert guidance sessions, and home-care kit distributions. Additionally, special stalls offering career and vocational counselling will help families explore future pathways and opportunities for their children, ensuring long-term support beyond the event itself.

During the mall awareness drive, our team distributed flyers and spoke to individuals about the significance of integrating children with special needs into mainstream society. We highlighted how, with encouragement and the right resources, these children can grow into confident, functional members of the community, capable of leading happy and meaningful lives. While some passers-by hurried past, many others paused to listen, express appreciation, and even offer support. Several shop owners and mall businesses welcomed our efforts and agreed to display our flyers in their stores.

The strength of the campaign lay in the collective spirit of our volunteers, parents, members of Wading Through Life Support Group, Don Bosco Development Services - Seawoods, Prafulta Psychological Services – Seawoods and volunteers from Don Bosco Matunga who came together with dedication and compassion. A big thank you to Fr Barnabe Dsouza – Director of Don Bosco Academy – Seawoods and Fr Leon Cruz – Director of Youth Services at Don Bosco Matunga who stood by us for the event. Their unity and belief in the cause made the awareness drive a truly impactful experience.