By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

Kawant, Gujarat: With a vision to strengthen foundational education among children and promote the holistic development of adolescents and youth in remote tribal villages, DISHA Don Bosco Kawant organized a special meeting and training programme for Village Education Programme (VEP) teachers on June 15, 2026 at its Kawant centre.

For several years, DISHA Don Bosco Kawant has been working towards improving the quality of basic education among children from interior tribal villages of Kawant block. As part of its Village Education Programme, free tuition classes are conducted every day for two hours for children studying in Classes 1 to 5 in around 18 villages. These classes aim to support children academically, reduce learning gaps, and encourage them to continue their education with confidence.

With the beginning of the new academic year, DISHA Don Bosco Kawant has expanded its vision to reach 25 villages by establishing free tuition classes, Kishore Mandals (adolescent groups), and Youth Groups. This three-year programme is designed not only to enhance educational opportunities but also to nurture leadership, values, social awareness, and personal growth among children, adolescents, and young people in tribal communities.

The VEP teachers’ meeting and training programme brought together 20 dedicated teachers, including 7 women and 13 men, representing various villages such as Renadha, Muset, Navalaja, Undva, Dungargam, Mogra, Nanavanta, Saidivasan, Vagudan, Athadungari, Moti Tokri, Chiliyavant, Godadha, Umathi, Khadala, and Bildha.

The programme began with an interfaith prayer led by senior DISHA staff member Arvind Rathwa, creating an atmosphere of unity and reflection. This was followed by an introductory session that helped the participants build rapport and strengthen team spirit.

During the session, Fr Dr Mayank Parmar, Director of DISHA Don Bosco Kawant, explained the objectives and vision behind the Village Education Programme, Kishore Mandals, and Youth Groups. He highlighted the dream of DISHA to bring positive transformation among tribal children, adolescents, and youth through education, value formation, and community empowerment. He emphasized that the programme seeks to create confident, responsible, and socially committed young individuals who can contribute positively to their families and communities.

Following this, DISHA Programme Officer Hasmukh Christian conducted an informative session on constitutional values through the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. He explained the importance of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity in building a responsible society. He also provided detailed guidance on application formats and various survey forms that will assist teachers in effectively implementing the programme and understanding the needs of the children and communities they serve.

The training concluded with an interactive discussion, followed by tea and refreshments. The meeting served as an important platform to motivate and equip VEP teachers for their mission of reaching out to tribal children and youth with quality education, guidance, and opportunities for a brighter future.

Through this renewed commitment, DISHA Don Bosco Kawant continues its mission of empowering marginalized communities by bringing education, hope, and sustainable development to the doorsteps of tribal villages.