By Linciya Rumao for BIS Mumbai

The Homelink Mumbai Hub Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme on “Transforming Care & Interventions through Documentation and Digital Intelligence” was held on January 8-9, 2026 at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Matunga, bringing together coordinators and staff to strengthen ethical documentation, digital capacity, and data-driven decision-making within child-centred services. The programme was designed to equip participants not only with technical skills, but also with the responsibility of carrying this learning forward to their respective nodes and teams.

The training opened with registration and a prayer song, “Sukariya,” followed by a warm welcome address from Fr Roshan Gonsalves, Hub Director. The resource persons—Fr Joe Prabhu, Mr Austin, and Mr Raj Parit—were formally welcomed and honoured with Gandhi caps.

Setting the tone for the sessions, Fr Joe Prabhu highlighted the deeper purpose of Homelink DIGI.“Digitalisation is not just about software; it is about building a data-driven culture that strengthens care, accountability, and advocacy,” he remarked, encouraging participants to become leaders of change within their organisations.

Through interactive demonstrations, Mr Austin guided participants through the Homelink DIGI platform, explaining how centres, projects, staff roles, and beneficiary services can be systematically documented. The sessions illustrated how accurate data enables better reporting, transparency, and impact measurement across services such as migrant support, child care institutions, and community programmes.

A significant focus of the programme was child safeguarding and Standards of Care, where Fr Prabhu emphasised the Salesian commitment to holistic child well-being—social, emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual. Complementing this, Mr Raj Parit addressed Digital Literacy and Cyber Security, alerting participants to emerging online risks and the importance of secure digital practices.“Cyber safety begins with awareness and responsible digital habits,” he reminded the group.

Day Two built upon these foundations with sessions on data protection, consent-based documentation, and data-driven interventions. Participants explored how data can guide informed decision-making, improve programme outcomes, and support advocacy efforts. Practical sessions on report generation, Power BI, and visual data representation helped translate information into meaningful insights.

The programme concluded with reflections, quizzes, and a Valedictory Session graced by Fr George, former YaR Coordinator. Certificates of participation were distributed, affirming the participants’ role as Trainers of Trainers entrusted with strengthening the Homelink network.

The two-day ToT reaffirmed that Homelink DIGI is not just a technological tool, but a shared mission—strengthening care, accountability, and advocacy through ethical documentation and digital intelligence.