Special features of the organization
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND , In 1973, the Cochin Corporation Council banned begging on the streets. In the course of time, the Corporation felt the need for caring for the children. In 1974, the City Council invited the Don Bosco Society to plan a comprehensive programme of Holistic Health, Education, Vocational training, and rehabilitation for the young boys kept in the Settlement Home. Thus this work was started in 1974 at Sneha Bhavan, Palluruthy, Cochin. At present it is known as Don Bosco Welfare Centre Society (Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan). It is a collaborative Rehabilitation project of the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Corporation of Cochin for the street and working children and young at risk. The goal of this Project is to help these children to find a home, either by placing them back into their own homes or by providing them an alternative home like environment. , HOMES FOR CHILDREN / YOUTH , At present Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan project extends total residential care to around 300 children/youth in need of care and protection. When we find a child in the dangerous situation our first priority is to restore them to their families. When that is not possible we shelter them in our children s and youth homes. , , 1. SNEHA BHAVAN (estd.1974) , Sneha Bhavan is a home away from home, for boys below 13 years. The centre belongs to the Cochin City Corporation and is managed by Don Bosco Welfare Centre Society. , 2. DON BOSCO (estd.1978) , The boys who undergo high school education or those of equivalent age who undergo skills training are looked after here. , 3. BOSCO NILAYAM (estd.1986) , Older boys of the Project, who are into higher education or who are employed, reside at this centre. They are prepared to begin a family life. , 4. SNEHA BHAVAN ANNEXE (estd.1990) , Sneha Bhavan Annexe is a Night Shelter cum in Centre. The building is provided by the Corporation of Cochin. , 4. SNEHA BHAVAN ANNEXE (estd.1990) , Sneha Bhavan Annexe is a Night Shelter. The building is provided by the Corporation of Cochin. , 5. VALSALYA BHAVAN (estd.1997) , This is a shelter home for girls on the streets and at risk. The building belongs to the City Corporation and the management is done by Don Bosco Welfare Centre Society. , 6. VALSALYA BHAVAN ANNEXE (estd.2013) , A home is constructed for senior girls. They are helped to settle back in the society. , Street Based Activities , Childline, a 24 hour free helpline to respond to the children in distress is run by Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan from Sneha Bhavan Annexe. Any child can get access to this service by dialing 1098 and it is toll free. , Social Activities Conducted , The main social activities conducted by the Don Bosco Welfare Centre Society are Food and Shelter for children and youth, healthcare programmes, Formal education and Non- formal education, Recreation Facilities, Celebration of festivals, Value Based Education, Promotion of music and culture, Psycho-social formation, Job Placement and follow-up, Camps and Seminars, Home placement, Networking, Counseling services, Computer Literacy Programmes, Scholarships, Library facility, etc.
