Their recent visit to see Salesian works in Kolkata made a deep impression on students from St John Bosco College, Battersea, and they were kind enough to write some of their thoughts for us.

The Salesian work in Kolkata is absolutely amazing and inspiring. In all the schools that we had visited it was very clear, the commitment that everyone puts into helping the children, from the night school kids to the Don Bosco Ashalayam, to the boys working with Christophe.

It was also nice seeing that the children had to come the school in uniform, clean and ready to learn, as I believe that these are some of the foundations to help people to be respectful, organised and disciplined for life, and that the Salesians' work was helping them build this strong foundation to build themselves upon. I also felt touched by how beautiful it was seeing these kids, who don't own much, or who didn't have the most glorious start of their lives, being so happy and always smiling and spreading this unconditional love for everyone and everything; this was something that I had never seen or felt before and it made me realise that we don't really need much to be happy, and how grateful we should be for having so much. This has also made me realise how lucky I am, and that there is so much that I can do to help others, just like the Salesians have been doing to this day. And if it was wasn't for their incredible work and commitment, all of these young people, including myself, probably wouldn't be what they are today.

Ana

 

On the 12th of February Ana, Diogo and I were lucky enough to visit and witness the work of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Kolkata, India. Its was an amazing experience that has taught us a lot, from being able to adapt to a different environment to learning to appreciate the of privileges living here in London.

We had a chance to meet and interact with the Night School children and we quickly found out that they were kids that loved coming to school and where thankful for the opportunity of being educated. I will never forget the boys we met in the Don Bosco Ashalayham home, the beautiful drawings, the amazing dancers, beat boxers, rappers and singers. They are extremely talented children who unfortunately don't have many opportunities.

These boys are dreamers and that is what makes them so happy and bubbly and that is something young people here in England lack. The trip to Kolkata was one I will never forget.

Natalia

 

It was inspiring to see the Salesian work with the young people of Kolkata. It was heart-warming to see the support given to disadvantaged young people through the work of the night school in Don Bosco School Park Circus and of Don Bosco Ashalayam.

None of this would be possible without the continuous support and dedication from the Salesian priests and lay volunteers. The knowledge and skills these young people have acquired will increase their career opportunities and let them develop into independent adults.

Diogo