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INTER REGIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMME
DON BOSCO YOUTH ANIMATION CENTRE, ENNORE, CHENNAI: 17 - 21 May 2015

Inter regional student leadership training programme was held at Don Bosco Youth Animation Centre, Ennore Chennai from 17 to 21 May 2015.

17.05.2015:

The programme began at 11 am with 40 participants from the regions of Karnataka, Goa and Tamilnadu. After the registration the inaugural programme began with the prayer service rendered by Bernedette and Rachel from Tamilnadu region. It was followed by a reading from the bible and Fr. Charles gave a reflection about the theme universal culture of love and life which was followed by the orientation and dynamics of the programme given by Fr. Charles. Then the time table was briefed and the instructions were given which were to be followed by the participants.

The NEXCO members conducted the self introduction session by which every participant came to know each other, followed by the need for IRSLTP and the need to make best use of this opportunity given and was explained clearly by the National Chaplain. After lunch the session began with the action song which rejuvenated everyone. Fr. Charles then divided all the participants in to four groups. The groups were divided in such a way to conduct model cell meeting and to interact with each other. There after the methodology and purpose of YCS/YSM was explained insisting the need for youngsters to make a change within.

After tea the groups were given instruction for the exposure visit and the purpose of it as SEE part of the programme. To build a better society we need to understand the basic fabrics of the society was well explained by Fr. Charles. Then the groups moved to a nearby slum area to know about the different classes of living and meeting them, getting to know about them and how the livelihood of the slum area. We returned at 7pm and were given time to reflect over it and share the experiences followed by Holy Mass the main celebrant was Fr Charles. He instructed in her sermon to take Jesus as our way and follow his footsteps and also to make use of the talents which are hidden inside. After dinner we had our evaluation about the exposure visit. The group shared their experiences and prepared their charts by representing a pictorial presentation.  At end of the day Fr Edwin George SDB, Rector of Don Bosco youth animation centre gave a welcome to all the participants and shared the activities of DBYAC. We concluded the day with the night prayer.

18.05.2015:

The second day of the IRSLTP began with a Eucharistic celebration at 7.00am. Fr Arulraj, VG of Chennai Mylapore Archdiocese was the main celebrant and in his sermon he made us to think about “is there life before death” and also instructed about the value of life. At the end of Mass the NEXCO members honored Fr Arulraj with a shawl and memento. Fr Rosario thanked VG for accepting his invitation and offering mass for us. In his presence all the priests who were a part of this IRSLTP were also honored with shawl.

At 9.00 am the programme began with the action song taught by Rosalia NEXCO of Karnataka region. The reports and charts were presented by each group. They explained their opinions about the reality which they experienced in the exposure visit. Individuals also shared their feeling and opinions regarding this issue, followed by a session about the SEE part. The first point in the methodology of YCS/YSM was dealt by Mr. Deepak Raj former YCSer. He helped us to understand the real meaning of see and what is actually means. He asked us to see things in depth and the reality. He added saying the only element which will bring change and the happiness is “LOVE TO LIVE”. He said every person must to know about 3 truths in life, Truth of reality, Truth of faith and Truth of method. Finally he concluded saying “if we are able to see God in every little things we can love and live happily”. At 11.20 am Miss Sofia Juliet former NEXCO of Tamilnadu region shared her experience as a YCS/YSM’er. She said that we are the future and YCS and will bring many values in life adding to it. She said, following the methodology of YCS/YSM we can change our self and change others. Her own experience encouraged us to grow up in YCS/YSM.

Fr Ronald DYD of Shimoga helped the participants to participate more lively in the programme and taught action songs which rejuvenated our minds. After a tea break Fr Charles, the national Chaplain gave an introduction to YCS/YSM and in-depth knowledge about the methodology, aim and motto of YCS/YSM.  He insisted us to be more involved in cells and share so that we build a better society. His session gave a clear picture about our movement as he encouraged us to develop YCS/YSM in their cells life.

After lunch Leo Joseph dealt with the next part of the methodology “JUDGE”. Showing many educational videos he explained the reflection on the exposure visit. Education of love was the topic based on the culture of love and life. Healthy relationships will always help us make our life more meaningful and live it to the full was the message. At 4 pm the participants were led to many group games and exercises which helped them to bond with each other and mingle with easily. This was a process of making them to love life in the company of each other.

At 7.00 we had inter-religious prayer. We were shown a few inspirational videos which made us to understand the love and sacrifice of our parents for us. This was very heart touching experience and we all thanked God for giving us good parents and we asked pardon fo rhte times we hurt them knowingly or unknowingly. After dinner we had cultural events performed by each region based on the theme universal culture of love and life.

Personal evaluation was followed and all of them shared it in public which made them understand what they experienced out from the whole day. Fr Charles asked us to make the best use of this programme and get maximum out of it. After night prayer we went to rest.

19.05.2015:

The day began with a Eucharistic celebration organized by Goa region celebrated by Fr. Savio, RYD of Goa region. In his sermon he insisted the role of youth and also said that we can do a lot of wonders with our practical thinking.

After breakfast the session was dealt by Fr. Savio on the third part of the methodology and he began his session with an action song which boosted our spirits. He made us clear about the life crisis in adolescence, lack of self confidence which is the major problem in today’s youth and related his real life experience. He insisted us to make many friends and try to have a healthy relationship and must realize our talents and the inner beauties rather than our outer appearance. Holistic growth is the most important aspect which every youngster must have. Finally with many interesting stories and actions, he said we must make others act and all the participants got the message to themselves about what life teaches everyone.

Then Ms Sheela an ex-ycs’er since 1978 shared her experience in YCS/YSM and the way it helped her to develop herself as a leader and change others life. A few participants interacted with her and learnt from her life. At 11 the session was dealt by Mr. Stafford mantel on the values which is required for us to emerge as a model leader. He also expressed the duties of a leader and the way of a good leader should set example to other as he dealt with the spirituality of YCS/YSM and encouraged us to be a best leader to lead a better society.

After lunch a national award winning movie “DHARAM” was screened and Fr Charles explained the difference between spirituality and religiosity. Everyone understood the movie and was able to see in action the real meaning of religion and what every religion wants us to do, followed by evaluation of the movie. We prepared an action plan which we can implement and make others also know one’s religion. It was followed by CAFÉ  in which 4 topics namely 1) RICH AND POOR – inequality, 2) SUICIDE VS SERVICE, 3) FAMILY VALUES – Role of youth and 4) EDUCATION –WAY TO KNOWLEDGE were given  which were explained by 2 animators and we discussed them in detail. We were welcomed warmly by all the group animators and they made us to understand the present scenario by this session. We also learnt how to animate the programme of our own. Then we gathered in groups and shared our feelings about the café and expressed what we learnt from it. Then we all gathered in front of a light with prayerful mind for evening prayers.

After dinner Leo Joseph conducted a game in which he made us to understand that friendship is most important in our life and must make many friends. Video clips based on love were shown which created an impact on everyone. Then we had group wise personal sharing and evaluation about what we learnt during the day and the need to change in us. All the participants expressed about their transformation. Fr Charles congratulated all for their active participation and ended the day with prayer.

20.05.2015:

The day began with a beautiful nature meditation guided by Fr. Rosario Mass offered at the back waters by Fr Ronald, DYD of Shimoga. In his sermon he said if we give something only if we have something, so having something in life to change ourselves to change others is important.

After breakfast Fr Charles divided us into new groups and asked us to share about our best friend in life and showed a documentary called Do KALAKAR which related to Ambition and Mission. The movie gave us a message to work for the lasting mission and turn our ambition into mission. Then Leo Joseph dealt with review of life – cell meeting in which he explained the need for YCS/YSMers to conduct regular cell meetings and to have evaluation in cell.

In the afternoon Fr. Charles explained us the Constitution of YCS/YSM and asked us to organize the movement based on the constitution and put things in order along with proper documentation. Then he conducted a session on Self appreciation where all of them wrote a quality each to appreciate each other, followed by a chocolate game to depict the plight of rich and poor. Then we had the final evaluation of the programme followed by dinner and camp fire and cultural programme.

21.05.2015:

Most Rev Henry D’Souza, Chairman of CBCI Youth council arrived to offer the concluding Mass where he inspired us to change our lives and do the best use of our talents and shine in the society. During the concluding programme he pleaded us to continue the good work and become leaders in the society inspiring our fellow student members through our specific actions. He distributed certificates and mementos to the participants. Fr. Charles thanked all those who were a part of this programme and worked for the success of the inter-regional student leadership training programme. All the participants were happy and satisfied with the knowledge they got from this programme and resolved to influence the society through their transformed actions and witness to leadership.

-  Sumitha Madiath, Chennai