By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

DISHA Don Bosco, Kawant, hosted a six-day rural camp for the first-year MSW students of Shree Vallabhacharya College of Social Work, Halol, from February 6 to February 11, 2026. The college is managed by Shree Mahajan Ucch Sikshan Mandal. A total of 30 students participated in this enriching rural exposure programme.

The camp began on February 6 with the arrival of the students at DISHA Don Bosco. The inaugural function was held the same evening in the presence of the Kawant Education Society (KES) Management, DISHA Development staff, the Principal, and faculty members of the college. The dignitaries addressed the students with inspiring and motivating words, encouraging them to make the best use of the rural learning experience.

After dinner, Fr Dr Mayank Parmar, SDB, Director of DISHA Development, conducted an orientation session. He introduced the students to the vision, mission, and various initiatives of DISHA Don Bosco. He also explained the objectives and goals of the rural camp and briefed them about the schedule for the next five days.

Each day began with meditation led by Fr Dr Mayank Parmar, helping the students start their day with reflection and focus. One of the major highlights of the camp was participation in the “Stop Child Marriage” campaign, an important initiative of DISHA Don Bosco in the Chhota Udepur district of Gujarat. The students actively joined awareness rallies and performed street plays in common village areas where large crowds gathered. They reached out to nearly 20 villages, spreading awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage.

In addition to field activities, the students attended input sessions on leadership, critical thinking, positive use of media, constitutional values, and goal setting. These sessions were conducted by Mr Hasmukh Christian, Programme Officer of DISHA, with the support of Fr Parmar. The students also participated in village youth meetings organized by DISHA, gaining first-hand experience of community engagement.

On the final evening, a lively campfire was organized by Cl. Ankit Ganava, who engaged the students in creative and team-building activities. The last day began with a nature meditation session conducted by Cl. Ankit Ganava. A final round-up session was led by Mr Christian, and the overall camp experience sharing was animated by Fr Parmar. Many students expressed that it was their first-ever rural exposure and described it as a lifetime learning experience filled with joy and meaningful engagement. They appreciated the homely atmosphere and the strong sense of teamwork they experienced.

Mr Ajay Vasava, Principal of the College, expressed heartfelt gratitude to DISHA Don Bosco and the KES Management for the excellent arrangements and facilities. As a token of appreciation, a trophy was presented to DISHA Don Bosco by Shree Vallabhacharya College of Social Work. The programme concluded with group photographs, marking the end of a memorable and transformative rural camp.