Strengthening Hope for Youth at Risk: YaR Directors Gather for Learning, Collaboration and Renewal

Date: 18-19th September 2026
District: Davangere



In a meaningful effort to strengthen services for vulnerable young people, Don Bosco Davangere hosted a two-day Youth at Risk (YaR) Directors' Meeting at DBCLM, Davangere, bringing together 22 Salesian Directors from various centres for reflection, learning and collaborative planning.

The gathering served as a valuable platform for participants to exchange experiences, explore emerging challenges and identify new opportunities in working with young people facing difficult circumstances.

The programme commenced with an inspiring keynote session by Mr. Lokshesh M. U., Professor, Department of Studies in Social Work, Davangere University, who addressed the theme, "Challenges and Opportunities for Youth at Risk in the Present Scenario." His insightful presentation encouraged participants to reflect on the changing realities affecting vulnerable youth and the need for innovative, compassionate and sustainable interventions.

To deepen engagement and mutual learning, Rev. Fr. Regi Jacob, Director of Don Bosco Davangere, facilitated group discussions and interactive activities that enabled the directors to share field experiences, best practices and strategies for strengthening youth-focused initiatives across their centres.

Beyond the conference hall, the participants enjoyed an evening visit to the scenic Kunduvada Lake and the iconic Glass House, offering moments of relaxation, fellowship and renewed energy amidst nature.

The second day featured a thought-provoking session by Rev. Fr. Varghese Pallipuram, Director of BOSCO Yuvodaya, Bengaluru, who shared valuable perspectives and practical insights on accompanying and empowering youth at risk in today's rapidly changing social environment.

A highlight of the meeting was the educational visit to the Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Vaddinahalli, where the directors gained firsthand exposure to the lives and needs of children with disabilities, including children with visual impairments. The participants learned about the centre's holistic services, including counselling, therapy, education, rehabilitation programmes, artificial limbs and various assistive devices that support the development and well-being of children with special needs.

During the visit, Mr. K. Maruthi Krishna Gowda, Director In-charge and Assistant Professor of Speech Pathology at CRC, provided an overview of the centre's mission and its dedicated efforts in serving children with disabilities and their families.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment among the Salesian directors to continue accompanying vulnerable young people with greater sensitivity, professionalism and hope. The rich exchange of ideas, combined with practical exposure to inclusive care services, strengthened the participants' understanding of the diverse challenges faced by youth and the importance of collaborative action.

More than a meeting, the gathering was a journey of reflection, solidarity and shared purpose, reinforcing the Salesian mission of creating safe spaces and brighter futures for every young person.

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