Salesian Province of Mumbai

☼ BOSCO BOYS HOME - BORIVLI

Address and Contacts

Bosco Boys’ Home
Vazira Naka
Borivali West
Mumbai 400091

Tel : 022 – 28996612, 28333060, 28337519, 28336613, 28335948

Fr. Anthony Santarita : 9892207635
Fr. Bastin Thomas : 9769901948
Fr. Anaclete D’Mello : 9821148055
Br. Alex Gonsalves : 9822048120

BRIEF HISTORY

After the inspiration of Don Bosco who reached out to the emarginated youth of his days with his unique preventive system of education, the Salesians of the province of Bombay were eager to begin a work for underprivileged youth. In 1976, Bro. Anthony Rocha was asked to start a non-formal trade school for such youth in Bombay. Thus Bosco Boys’ Home (BBH) was born.

Since the apostolic boarding had been shifted to Lonavla the previous year, the boarding premises was initially used to house these deprived youth. The following year (1977) a boarding for poor school-going boys was started and so BBH shifted residence to the old school building across the street. This provided the boys the freedom to gradually develop in an environment comfortable to themselves. Initially consisting of just school dropouts, BBH gradually began to include boys of other categories as well. Between the years 1982 – 1987 there were hostel boys (either working, or studying in St. Joseph’s Kurla, or in college), small boys who attended the municipal schools in Borivali, and bigger boys who were learning their trades in the workshops at BBH. By 1987 all these categories slowly decreased to consist of only school dropouts, with no age barrier. By 1992 boys 14 years and above were being admitted. Another new dimension was the admission given to street boys from Shelter Don Bosco. These boys were given another opportunity to improve their lives by learning a trade and thus become hones and responsible men. This policy of taking in street boys has proved to be successful and till date around five social welfare centres regularly send their boys to BBH.

An important milestone in the history of BBH was the renovation and extension of the existing building. For a long time BBH was in need of major repairs like water-proofing, plumbing, sanitation and relocation of the work-shops. The boys were also lacking an adequate space for recreation indoors. On April 12, 1996, after endless meeting, discussions and requests, the Provincial and his council approved the repairs and extension works in BBH. The additional floor would consist of a spacious dormitory, a hall and an adjacent class room. The existing dormitory would be converted into six living rooms. The workshops were relocated, each of them having an exit on the outside of the buildings. The carpentry department would finally have their separate workshop. Besides these, other minor adjustments were made to the existing structure.

It is worth noting that while these repairs were being carried out, the boarding as well as the workshops carried on as usual inspite of several hardships faced by the confreres as well as the boys.

BBH began as an alternative to formal schooling. The boys were taught a technical trade without going through the rigours of learning details of it’s theory. Bro.Rocha taught the boys a trade – he himself was skilled at book binding. With a scope clearly different from that of a regular school/boarding, Br.Rocha now accompanied by Bro. J. Chowri – a master craftsman himself, (1977) introduced welding, a trade which has been very popular ever since. In 1978, Fr. Denzil Vaz bought sewing machines to begin a tailoring department. He also introduced the carpentry department, and screen printing as a hobby activity. Over the years it was realized that book binding, screen printing and tailoring were too delicate trades to be handled by the Bosco Boys and were consequently closed. Realising the growing demand for motor mechanics, in 1993, Fr. Bosco with help of Fr. Anaclete D’Mello (Principal, Don Bosco High School, Borivali) worked out a plan along with a parishioner who was a skilled and experienced mechanic, to introduce this trade in BBH. From 1996 BBH started the electrical department. This is a part-time trade held in the afternoons for a period of one year. The first batch of 27 students appeared for the Yeshwantrao Chavan Open University (Nashik) exams. This was the first time in the history of BBH that boys appeared for an external government exam and passed successfully.

Aware of the boys’ natural aversion for formal education and its’ importance still uppermost in the confrere’s mind, another novel idea took shape in BBH (1977). For some years now, there was a growing need for a transitional house for the orphans of Dominic Savio’s Andheri. Having finished their academic studies, they could not continue to stay in the institution; yet they were not really ready to enter the world of work alone. The guiding presence of the Salesians, and a place to call home at the end of the day for these young workers was earnestly needed, and what better place than BBH. Having spent years in a Salesian institute, these young hostelites would return the care shown to them by spending their evenings teaching the Bosco boys who didn’t know to read and write. Being given individual academic attention, some of these dropouts returned to the local municipal schools. Thus the systematic education of these boys was provided for as long as the hostel was in existence. Since there was a varied group of boys, there was also a varied time table. Maintaining one time table for all was practically impossible. In the process the hostel boys were slowly phased out. The municipal school boys (10-13 yrs.), were taught at home. The age limit (14-18 yrs)and the category of boys (street boys and school dropouts) was finally fixed. BBH thus became a homogenous group in 1991.

When the hostel was phased out in 1991, the services of volunteers from the parish was sought. From 1997 BBH has begun a non formal schooling system for the boys who are divided into different categories according to their mental capacity. Classes are held on a regular basis between 1.30 and 4.30 p.m. with two committed teachers on the staff.

Besides those in charge, and the clerics who provide the boys with brotherly companionship over the years, the services of Fr.Egidus Falcao (1984-1985), Fr. Elson Baretto (1985-1986), and Fr. Dominic Lisboa (1991-1995), need to be acknowledged in a special way. At the moment, Fr. Anthony Santarita (1995 - ), and Fr. Jude D’Mello along with Fr. Bosco Pereira comprise the community of BBH.

From, 1980 to 1984 a hostel for orphans and semi-orphans was run especially for those who attended technical courses or those boys who were working and had no place to stay. There were about 23 inmates. A club was also started for the youth of the neighbourhood. The number touched 250.

Until 1995 Bosco Boys’ Home was a part of the community of Don Bosco High School. In 1995 the community was made independent and Fr. Bosco Pereira was put in charge. In 1997 the house was canonically approved and Fr. Bosco was made the first Rector of Bosco Boys’ Home.

Bosco Boys’ Home is an alternative to formal schooling. It is a response to the many forms of youth emargination in Bombay such as school dropouts, those who had never been to school and street boys. Through the development of vocational skills it enhances self esteem and self worth in these adolescent youth. It channelises their energies towards productivity by respecting the abilities and learning pace of each individual boy. Some of the courses offered are welding, carpentry, electrical trades, motor mechanics, plumbing and tailoring.

Above all, like the gymnastic training that forms part of their extracurricular education, the boys at Bosco Boys’ Home learn the delicate art of balancing their fragile lives in an environment that gravitates towards increasing competition and commercialization.

Borivali (Locality, Socio-Economic Situation)

History

Borivli town was developed in areas of what once used to be the small villages called Eksar, Kandivali, Shimpoli and others which were situated on and around Mount Poinsur, between two rivers Tulsi and Poinsur. The existence of Portuguese Churches and the Mandpeshwar and Kanheri caves is testament to the rich history of this place. Borivli was spelt 'Berewlee' by the British and is also known as Borivli.

Location: Western Suburbs
Borivli was named after one of the major Mumbai suburban railway on the Western railway line. It falls on the northern region of Mumbai and is spelled as Borivli.
The region falls on the north-western suburb of Bombay. Most of the population in Borivli are second generation residents from small and rural India.
This is one of the few places in the world which has the national park with in the city limits. The park is also known as the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Accessibility

Borivli is approx. 18 Kms from Mumbai Airport.
32 km. (approx) from Mumbai Central Railway Station.

Borivli Railway Station

The Borivali Railway Station is a terminus for all slow, semi-fast and fast trains on the Mumbai Suburban Railway system. It also serves as the final city-limit stop for all mail and express trains on Western Railway before leaving Mumbai. As of 2006, there are plans to extend the Harbour Line to Borivali, and expansion plans are in full steam at the railway station.

Areas in Borivali around BOSCO BOYS HOME:

Yogi Nagar, Jairaj Nagar
Old and New MHB (Maharashtra Housing Board) Colonies
Chikoowadi
Eksar, Babhai, Vaziranaka
Gorai
L.T. Road

Bosco Boys Home:

Bosco Boys Home started as a non formal technical school catering to the needs of school dropouts economically marginalized and orphans who had no opportunities any trade. The origins of BBH actually started in Don Bosco Boarding hall. Br. Rocha began this work with a simple trade like book binding. Later on this work was shifted entirely to its present location. As years went by new trades were added and some of them discontinued according the market demands and job opportunities. The policy of the institute has remained the same over the years. The institute offers training only for students who are above 15 and below 24 years of age. They have to be below 10^th std and economically poor. It is residential facility available for students from any part of the country irrespective of caste and creed. There has been always equal number of Catholics and non-Catholics admitted. The boarding can accommodate approximately 100 students. At the moment there are four trades viz. motor mechanics, A/C Refrigeration, Electricians and Two Wheelers. This year June 2010 we have more than 100 students undergoing technical trades in various trades. Plumbing, Computers, Life skills and English language are also taught. Practically all the students are absorbed by the service industry. A few are self employed. BBH is perhaps the only residential technical school offering non-formal courses.

Socio-Economic Situation:

A majority of the people are migrants. Goan, Mangalorean and East Indian are a few communities that reside here, there are a few south Indians too. So far there has been no visible sign of any discrimination or discord among the people of different community.

Those who live in the immediate vicinity of BOSCO BOYS HOME, belong largely to the upper middle class. The real estate is booming and the cost of flats ranges from 50 lakhs to one crore.

There are many people who live in Mhada colonies and MHB colonies. These families have been provided temporary residence as their old buildings in the South Mumbai have gone in for re-development. But it has been years since they are residing here and it has become their permanent residence. While a few are well off the majority live in poverty.

Present Situation

There was a need to provide non-formal technical training to the under privileged young people. There was a vacant hall/dormitory in the Don Bosco School premises. Br. Rocha at the instruction of the then Provincial Fr. Tony D’ Souza began a book binding workshop. Later on this workshop was shifted to its present location and came to be permanently known as BOSCO BOYS HOME. Over the years new trades were added and the irrelevant trades were shut down. After book binding came screen painting, tailoring, welding and carpentry. A significant moment in the history of BOSCO BOYS HOME was the introduction of motor mechanics. This gave an opportunity to upgrade the workshop and to provide training and employability to a large number of students. The electrical course which started later sent its first batch to appear for a government exam (Yashwant Rao Chawan Open University). Subsequently other trades were added such as Two wheeler, Plumbing, Fitters, Turners, Electronics and A/C – Refrigeration.

From June 2010 Five workshop had to be closed due to non – availability of students in this trades viz. Turners, Carpentry, Fitter, welding and Electronics. Unlike the previous years this year June 2010 we had an all time record of admitting 105 students in the technical training.

Another landmark in the history of BOSCO BOYS HOME was created when we began the hospitality courses in the year 2009. The hospitality course comprises of four disciplines viz. House Keeping, Restaurant Service, Bakery and Food Production. This department was funded by a multinational company called “ACCENTURE”. Hotel Taj International is helping us as knowledge partner and to provide internship placement. So far two batches of 123 Hospitality students have been trained and successfully placed. The present batch of 63 students is undergoing training.

BOSCO BOYS HOME undertook the responsibility of training 90 students from the tribal area of Wada Mokhada. The training of these MORD students began officially from the 15^th July 2010. These students have been specializing in Restaurant Service, Welding and Four wheelers. It is significant to note that all these 90 students are accommodated and housed in BOSCO BOYS HOME.

OUT REACH PROGRMME - SANKALP Project

Don Bosco Technical Training Institute has started their outreach program at Borivali and neighboring area under the guidance of Fr. Anthony Santarita. The center has been running various programs to reach out to the poor and marginalized people in the society. Mr. Dayanand Patil is involved in the planning and implementation of the program.

v Identification of the area: The Don Bosco Technical Training Institute started the outreach program at various communities in the neighborhood area. The most disadvantages have been selected for the community intervention. The areas like Gorai Khadi, Gouri Nagar, Bhim Nagar, Yadav Chawl, Behind Shanti Dan, Shimpoli- Sai dham,Vazira Naka, Ratna Bai chawl, Sai Baba Nagar, Dahisar- Babhali pada, Mandpeshwar -Shivaji Nagar, Hanuman Tekdi Rawal Pada , Kokani Pada ,Shanti Nagar Nagar ,Sambhaji Nagar are the area identified for the future intervention.

v Survey of the area: The information collected from various sources to find out the situation of the area. The importance of the survey is to prepare resource based map for Identification of resources and the key person from the area. This will facilitate to involve in the community organization work. The community profile of each community has been prepared to understand the situation and intervention program in a better way.

v Bosco Empowerment Center: Don Bosco Technical Training Institute initiated the program at Dahisar-Babhali Pada with collaboration of the local Youth Mandal, Babhali Pada Rahivasi Seva Sangh. The center has been started with the help of local Mandal. The mandal has provided the place in community for the social development of the area. The center has planned to start many other activities for the empowerment of women and youth in the area. The Spoken English and beauty parlor classes are going to be organized very shortly.

v Women’s Day Celebration: international women’s Day 8^th of March 2010 Don Bosco Technical Training Institute organized a program for the women of the different centers in all we had approximately 650 women who attended this function, we were also privileged to have Mr. Prasad Mokashi Sub Editor of the Lok Satta Mr. Vijay Kadam Educational Expert for Maharashtra Educational Board and Ms. Kunda Nilkanth a social worker who works on anti abortion Act and also well known among the women addressed the crowd, this was the biggest event ever organized by the Institute with the help of Mr. Dayanand Patil who coordinated it.

v Tailoring Project: The tailoring project has been started at Babhali Pada with the collaboration of Jan Shikshan Sanstha, Dharavi and local youth Mandals. The two months program was sponsored by JSS in training on skills for livelihood through tailoring with the equipments and Resource person. Presently Twenty women are participating in the program and learning many skills in the tailoring. The JSS are ready to expand support for another program in the area. Mr. Dayanand Patil explores the area and organizes women for the next batch.

- Below is the Table with all the Centers and their Activities.

Sr. No.	Center Name	Activity’s
1	Babhali Pada Dahiser (E)	Two batches of women’s SHG group Tailoring Class has been completed at local level in collaboration with Jhan Shikshan Sanstha Dharavi. Total 40 women’s involved
2	Hanuman Tekadi Borivali (E)	Beauty Parlor course completed total 20 Women’s and Girls.
3	Shanti Nagar Dahiser (E)	Mehandi course completed 18 Women’s and girls’.
4	Charkop Kandivali (W)	Tailoring Course (Will start from 1^st September)
5	Gorai Borivali(W)	Tailoring course (Will start by end of Sept by CMAI project.
6	Uttan ,Pali Bhainder (W)	SHG established a Bakery Unit and Candle Making Unit by two different groups.
7	Don Bosco Centre	Completed 2 Batches with a total of 125 Youth Boys and Girls in Hotel Management in collaboration with Accenture Group and knowledge partner Taj Hotels Group with placement of 60%. Currently a batch of 57 going on.
8	Bosco Boys Home	Course in Bakery product completed 4 batches for 93 women’s.

v Promotion of SHG’s: Don Bosco Technical Training Institute initiated promoting Self Help group in the community. The concept of SHG’s not remaining only with savings but it will be a model for community development work in the area. Several informal meeting were conducted with the community to explain the importance of the SHG’s. There are 11 groups have formed by Don Bosco Technical Training Institute. The details of the groups are as follows.

Sr. no.	Area	Name of the group	No.of Members
1.	Gouri Nagar	Kalu bai Mahila Group	13
2.	Gouri Nagar	Amba bai	11
3.	Shanti Dan	Ramabai	17
4.	Sai Dham	Shree sai	20
5.	Sai Dham	Omkar	16
6.	Bhim Nagar	Savitri	20
7.	Bhim Nagar	Ramabai	20
8.	Babhali pada	Hari om	14
9.	Babhali Pada	Sidhi Vinayak	14
10.	Sai Baba Nagar	Santoshi Mata	13
11.	Pali, Uttan	Lourds Mata Mahila Bachat Gat	20
12.	Pali , Uttan	St. Francis Mahila Bachat Gat	15
	Total 193

v Training program for the SHG’s: Five days training program conducted for the Self Help Groups at Don Bosco Technical Training Institute, Borivali. The groups from Sai Dham, Shanti Dan and Gouri Nagar attended the training program. Mr. Dayanand Patil gave the inputs on various topics for forming the Self Help Groups in the area. The women were found actively participating in the trainings. There were 40 women from different areas attended the training. The training helps to understand the better perspective of SHG’s.

v Linkage program with BMC/ Health Departments: Several visits have been made to BMC office and discuss the program initiated by Don Bosco Technical Training Institute with Community Development Officer. This linkage program will help to access Government program for youth and women in the community. Also the visits were made with the Health post at MHB colony, Borase Pada, Gorai no 1, Dahisar Vithal Mandir, and Anand Nagar. The aim of the visits to meet PHN ( Public Health Nurse) and CHV ( Community Health Volunteers) to explore the Don Bosco Technical Institute intervention and make them aware of various program of the center. The Community Development Officer is ready to collaborate with Don Bosco Technical Training Institute in near future.

FUTURE PALN INTERVENTION……

v Study Support Center: Many children are facing problem of space to study at home. Don Bosco Technical Training Institute is looking in the future intervention at various areas to promote study support centers for the slum children at various areas. The center will help the children not only in studies but also encourage children to go to school on a regular basis. The centre will take care of child education as well as a contributing to their growth and learning. The center would like to initiate this program for the moment at Bhim Nagar, Gouri Nagar and Babhali Pada.

v Spoken English classes: There are many youngsters from BMC schools who are studying in SSC are asking support for the spoken English which help them in their studies. The center is looking to start three places to start the program as soon as the place is available at local level. The discussion with the local Mandals are in progress.

v Bakery training: The center is planning to start bakery training for the Self Help Groups. The informal meetings with the groups are held at community level. The two groups are ready to take training in Bakery.

v Health awareness training program for teenagers: There are many teenagers girls at community level asking for health awareness program. This program will be organized in collaboration with BMC and Health post. The local Self Help Group can play a vital role in organizing the program for the teenagers.

v Bosco Accenture PLUS: (A program for Placement Linkages by Upgrading Skills) the program is planned for the drop out youth from slum areas where language, computer and life coping skills are provided with a specialization training in Hospitality a basic course. We have so far Completed 2 Batches with a total of 125 Youth Boys and Girls in Hotel Management in collaboration with Accenture Group and knowledge partner Taj Hotels Group with placement of 60%. Currently a batch of 57 Students underling Training from 2^nd August 2010.