Training on BREADS’ Child Rights Programming

Representatives from the Sahayini Social Development Society (social development wing of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, Province of Mumbai) participated in a training on BREADS’ Child Rights programming on 22-23 March 2023 at the BREADS office in Bangalore.

The training comprised various sessions aimed at providing the participants with a comprehensive understanding of how BREADS approached child rights and its implementation in the communities with whom it works. Fr. Joy Nedumparambil (Economer, Salesian Province of Bangalore), gave an overview of BREADS’ journey towards child rights programming, and explained the history of Child Rights Education and Action Movement (CREAM), the flagship project of BREADS that strives to promote child rights in the state of Karnataka. It was followed by the session on BREADS and its programmes to promote Child Rights by Ms. Cheryl Bartholomeusz (Manager- Research & Documentation). Mr. Jinu Mathew (Manager- Programmes), introduced the Child Rights Education and Action Movement (CREAM), its implementation, its various activities and impact. Further, Ms. Cheryl conducted a session on Child Safeguarding Policies, highlighting the significance of creating safe and secure environments for children, free from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Mr. Benny Augustine (Manager- Projects), conducted a session on impact assessment in project management, which focused on the effective evaluation of the impact of various projects on children. The participants also had the opportunity to learn from Mr. Devaraj (District Coordinator, CREAM Bangalore), who provided insights into the facilitation and implementation of child rights on the field. The sessions were highly informative and engaging, and the participants gained valuable knowledge and insights into child rights and their implementation in the community.

As part of the training, the participants visited BOSCO Yuvodaya, the rescue booth in Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) railway station, and a supplementary education centre in JC Road, gaining first-hand experience of the ground-level work carried out by BREADS through BOSCO, its implementing partner in Bangalore.  The field visit on the second day was facilitated and guided by Fr. Varghese Pallipuram, Executive Director, BOSCO and Fr. Jude Anand, Director, BOSCO Nilaya. The training was an enriching experience for the representatives of Sahayini Social Development Society, equipping them with a better understanding of child rights, empowering them to advance their work with children and promote child rights effectively.