Our patron
WHO IS DON BOSCO?
John Bosco (1815-1888), popularly known as Don Bosco, was a Roman Catholic priest born in a little village at Becchi in northern Italy. By hard work and persevering efforts, he decided to dedicate his entire life for the welfare of youth. In 1859 he founded the Salesian Congregation. His ideas were so far in advance of his times as to be revolutionary. His methods were novel as they were daring. He followed what is widely known as “Preventive System of Education” based on Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness. “Work and Prayer” was Don Bosco’s motto. In a society that aims at progress and security there could not be better means. Don Bosco was canonized in April 1934.
EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OF DON BOSCO
Don Bosco was an exceptional educator. His acute intelligence, common sense and profound spirituality led him to create a system of education that develops the whole person – body, mind and spirit. It enhances growth and freedom while putting the child at the center of the whole educational system. To distinguish his method from the repressive system of education prevalent in 19th century in Italy, he called his own method the ‘Preventive System’- because it seeks to prevent the need for punishment by placing the child in an environment in which he/she is encouraged to be the best. It is a congenial, friendly and holistic approach to education. Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness are the three pillars on which Don Bosco built his educational system.
Reason
When we deal with adolescents, reason is essential; call it commonsense: but it is important. Every law is explained and the children are motivated. This system tries to do away with violent punishments which may stop a disorder but they seldom make the guilty any better. Instead through his loving presence the educator tries to become the friend of the educand whom he can advise in a friendly manner.
Religion
For Don Bosco education has no meaning unless religion forms the basis of the formation of youth. Schools are a means of instilling a sense of God into the minds and hearts of the young. The pupils are made aware of the all-pervading presence of God and the means offered by religion are made use of constantly.
Loving Kindness
Don Bosco wanted his followers to be friends and brothers to their boys. The educators are constantly with their charges: playing, working and helping them at every moment to grow up as integral human beings. This is a hard but rewarding experience. The students are bound to remember later in life the care lavished on them.
SALESIANS OF DON BOSCO
The Salesians of Don Bosco, founded by Don Bosco is an international organization of men religious dedicated to the service of young people. They focus all their initiatives on youth resource development programme thus providing quality and relevant education to all, in a value based environment, thus forming men and women of character, competence, conscience and deep compassion and commitment. With its headquarters in Rome, Salesians of Don Bosco is spread over 135 countries. Through a global network of educational and social service organizations which include 15 universities, 58 institutions of higher education and thousands of schools and social development centers. It currently caters to over fifteen million young people the world over. Today, the Salesian Family boasts of nearly 402,500 members in the service of young people. The Salesians of Don Bosco also enjoy special consultancy status at the United Nations and is recognized by the Government of India as the largest non-governmental provider of technical education in the country.
