By Renold Lemos for BIS Mumbai

On October 1, 2026, the Don Bosco community Banswara launched free evening tuition classes for school-going children from Kevadiya and the surrounding villages. The initiative was inaugurated at Good Shepherd English School, Kevadiya, with the aim of providing regular academic support to children from the interior villages of the area.

 The absence of tuition facilities, coupled with limited educational support and frequent power cuts at home, makes it difficult for many children to study regularly at home, particularly during the evening hours. Many parents are daily wage earners or farmers and have had limited access to formal education themselves. Over the years this has affected the learning levels and confidence of the children. The Don Bosco community was established in Banswara with the vision of starting a degree college for tribal youth from the interior villages of Banswara, which comes under the Diocese of Udaipur. While the process of starting the college is underway, the community is also engaged in pastoral ministry in the small parish of Kevadiya. Recognising the educational needs of children in the area, the community decided to begin serving them immediately.

 In this regard, the community approached Good Shepherd English School and requested its cooperation for conducting the classes. The school authorities readily extended their support and agreed to facilitate the classes at their school. The inaugural program was attended by 68 children from Kevadiya and neighbouring villages, studying in different schools in the area. Fr Renold Lemos welcomed the gathering and explained the purpose of the initiative. Encouraging the students to make good use of the opportunity, he said, “We often complain that there are not enough opportunities in the village, but here is an opportunity we are bringing for your bright future. Make the best use of it.” Fr Michael Bansode, In-Charge Don Bosco Banswara, while assuring the students of the community’s continued support, said, “We are delighted to offer our service to you. Education is the surest way to change your life and your family’s future, and we will walk with you at every step.”

 Mrs Anita Rawat, one of the trustees of Good Shepherd English School, and Mr Sunil Maida, Principal of the school, along with parents, teachers, and well-wishers attended the inauguration and expressed their support for the initiative. The tuition classes will be conducted four days a week, from 4 pm to 6 pm for students from Classes 3 to 10. Special attention will be given to Mathematics, English and personality development, with activities aimed at building confidence, communication skills and discipline. Along with the appointed teachers, the community members will also participate in teaching and mentoring the students. The inauguration concluded with the distribution of snacks to all those present. The community expressed its sincere gratitude to the management and staff of Good Shepherd English School for their generous cooperation and support.  

 By accompanying the students at this stage of their education, the community hopes to strengthen their academic foundation and prepare them to benefit from greater educational opportunities in the future, including the proposed degree college for tribal youth in Banswara.