By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

On September 16, 2026, 82 young men and women from 20 villages came together at Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS), Walvanda, for a Youth Leadership Camp organised under the Youth Empowerment – Jawhar Project in collaboration with Manos Unidas, Spain. The programme brought together young people who had already demonstrated initiative in village-level activities, actively supported community programmes and were willing to take on greater leadership responsibilities, while providing them with opportunities for leadership formation, entrepreneurship learning and community engagement.

The programme sought to equip young people with practical skills for both community leadership and livelihood development. Sessions focused on confidence, communication, decision-making, problem-solving and active participation in village development, while also introducing participants to opportunities for self-employment and small-business development.

A major component of the camp was the Ujjwal–Unnati Entrepreneurship Training, facilitated by Mr Krushna Shende, Project Coordinator of the SEEP Project. Through discussions, activities, examples and interactive exercises, the participants explored how an idea can gradually develop into a viable small business. The trainer also shared entrepreneurial experiences and examples to help the youth understand the importance of planning, hard work, skill development and perseverance.

The Ujjwal component was designed particularly for unemployed youth and those without specific vocational or business skills. Participants explored simple, locally relevant possibilities such as grocery shops, dry fish businesses, Vada Pav centres and Chicken Bhujing businesses. The emphasis was on identifying opportunities based on local demand, available resources and individual interests.

The Unnati component focused on youth who already possess vocational skills and want to transform them into sustainable enterprises. Skills such as electrical work, welding and tailoring were discussed as potential starting points for small businesses. Participants were reminded that a skill is only the beginning; business planning, customer service, financial management, marketing, presentation and continuous improvement are equally important for growth.

Keeping the training youthful and participatory, the afternoon session included an interactive activity followed by a group exercise in which participants identified businesses that could be started in their own villages and surrounding areas. The discussion helped them recognise that opportunities can often be found by observing local needs and community problems. Participants also discussed challenges faced by entrepreneurs and explored practical ways of responding to customer requirements and managing resources.

The training also highlighted the importance of shop presentation and customer experience. Participants discussed cleanliness, product arrangement, attractive displays and simple improvements that can make a small business more welcoming and effective.

Addressing the gathering, Fr Jesu Robinson, Director of BSVS Walvanda, encouraged the youth to learn with an open mind and reminded them that neither leadership nor entrepreneurship develops overnight. Using the simple example of making a round chapati, he explained that perfection comes through repeated practice, patience and guidance. In the same way, building a successful business requires continuous learning, effort and perseverance.

Mr Chandrakant Gangurde, Project Coordinator of the Youth Empowerment – Mokhada Project, welcomed all the participants and wished them success in the training programme, encouraging the youth to participate actively and make the best possible use of the knowledge gained during the camp.

The presence of Mr Deepak Jabar, Sarpanch of Chambarshet Gram Panchayat, added a community perspective to the programme. He noted that BSVS had reached his village for the first time and expressed the Gram Panchayat’s willingness to cooperate with the organisation in future activities.

The young participants reflected positively on the experience during the valedictory session. Mr Bhaskar Bheskar expressed his intention to make proper use of the knowledge gained through the training and appreciated the opportunities provided by BSVS. Mr Rajesh Chibhade shared that he had learned “many new and useful things” and thanked the trainer and organisers for their guidance.

The camp concluded with an encouragement to the youth to turn learning into action—developing their own skills and livelihood opportunities while taking greater responsibility for the development of their villages. The enthusiastic participation of the 82 young people reflected the growing role of youth as active contributors to community development in the Jawhar region.