MUMBAI: 24th April '04 --  Remember Jhabua (austraLasia 791-2)?  It was the scene of communal violence directed largely against the Christian minority and affecting the Salesian confreres and their work there and at nearby Alirajpur.  Now the Salesians have a good news story to tell, one which demonstrates that the best way to meet difficulties is to keep on doing good.  Let Bosco Information Services, managed by Fr. Darryl D;Souza, take up the story....

 

"Bhil tribals are one of the most backward categories in India. And during the two month long summer vacation, there is time at hand but nothing to do. The Salesians, to whom the newly erected Jhabua diocese offered the Boys boarding called Jyoti Bhavan in Jabhua, hit upon an idea. A month long Summer Camp with residential and non residential facilities. The residential facilities are being provided for the Catholic children from parishes far off from Jabhua. Those from Jabhua itself (Christians and non-Christians) come daily to avail of the novelties offered. More than 200 children from std. 5th to 10th have registered of which fifty boys and girls reside on the campus itself. The ‘Bhenjis’, a group (started by a Salesian Priest) of lay people bound by promises, look after the girls whereas the boys reside with the Salesians at Jyoti Bhavan.

The camp was inaugurated by Fr. Bhuria, Vicar General of the Jabhua diocese, who sang a traditional bhil song during the inauguration. The language spoken is Hindi or the local dialect called Bhili.Three clerics and three prenovices are organising the camp under the leadership of the Rector, Fr. Vincent Rasquinha and Br. Savio D’mello, Adminiistrator. The camp has several activities like English and Maths classes, games, tournaments, dance, drama, library facilities and many others. This exposure is aimed to reach education and catechesis in an innovative manner among the Bhils."

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