By Fr Sunil Pinto SDB for BIS Mumbai

Mumbai, September 12, 2026: Representatives of the Management and young beneficiaries of Shelter Don Bosco interacted with the First Year MA Public Policy students of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, on Saturday, September 12, highlighting the importance of creating fair opportunities for young people at risk and enabling them to participate meaningfully in society.

The session, organized at the invitation of Prof. Kanchana Mahadevan, Associate Professor at St Xavier’s College, focused on how institutions like Shelter Don Bosco work towards removing barriers and creating pathways for young people to rebuild their lives.

Fr Rudolf opened the session by explaining the distinction between equality, equity and inclusion; equality as sameness, equity as fairness, and inclusion as participation and belonging. He then traced the journey of Shelter Don Bosco, from its beginnings as a response to the needs of the “roofless and rootless” in Mumbai to its present role as an after-care home for young people at risk.

Through photographs and presentations, he outlined Shelter’s vision, programmes, areas of intervention, daily activities and some of the journeys of young people who have passed through the institution. He also highlighted the contributions made by Shelter and its beneficiaries to the wider community.

Fr Sunil Pinto, Vice Director and Executive Director of Don Bosco Balprafulta, under which the Suraksha Migrant Desk functions, spoke about Shelter’s social work beyond its institutional walls, particularly its outreach among the young migrant workforce. He highlighted the Desk’s initiatives, outreach strategies and engagement with different migrant communities. He also invited the students to explore internship opportunities, particularly in facilitating access to government schemes and contributing to policy discussions concerning gig and platform workers.

A significant part of the session was the interaction with ten young beneficiaries of Shelter Don Bosco. Sharing their experiences, dreams and aspirations, they spoke candidly about their lives at Shelter and how the institution has helped them develop resilience and hope. Their honest responses led to a meaningful dialogue with the students of St. Xavier’s College.

The interaction concluded with the students expressing keen interest in Shelter’s work and their willingness to explore meaningful opportunities for collaboration in support of young people at risk and migrant welfare.