The Salesian Youth Ministry, Chennai Province, organized a One-Day Capacity Building Programme for Lay Dimension Coordinators on 24^th July, 2025. The event aimed to form and strengthen the identity, mission, and effectiveness of Lay Coordinators working with youth in Don Bosco institutions. The programme was coordinated by Fr. John Christi, with meaningful contributions from leaders in education and youth ministry. Over 200 teachers and Salesian lay collaborators participated in the programme.

The programme began with a prayer song, followed by a welcome address by Rev. Fr. John Alexander, SDB, Vice-Provincial. Rev. Fr. John Bosco, Provincial of the Chennai Province, then addressed the gathering with a soul-stirring message. He invited participants to reflect deeply on the questions: “Who am I?” and “For whom am I?” His words inspired a renewed sense of purpose and commitment among the teachers to be authentic educators in the Salesian tradition.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Prince Gajendran, an eminent educational activist. He emphasized the transformative role of teachers and urged them to mould every youth into a ‘Don Bosco’. He also reflected on emerging challenges in the Indian education system, such as a lack of values, an overemphasis on marks, and disconnection from real-life skills. The inaugural session concluded with all the dimension coordinators lighting the auspicious lamp, symbolizing the beginning of a purposeful journey of collaboration and growth.

The second session was animated by Fr. Christi, who emphasized the core virtues and values of the Salesian tradition that all lay collaborators are expected to uphold. He highlighted the importance of living the Salesian charism in everyday interactions with youth, focusing on loving-kindness, presence, reason, and spirituality.

About 13 faculty members: Mr. Y. Anand Jeya Prakash, Mr. A. Peter Conisious Prabu, Dr. A. John Martin, Dr. A. Royal Edward Williams, Mrs. C. Elavarasi, Dr. U. Ramesh, Mr. V.S. Jayakumar Paul Bosco, Dr. K. Arokiaraj, Mr. G. Lawrence, Mr. T. Joseph Vinoth kumar, Mr. S. Jagan Raj, Miss M. Latha Munuswamy & Rev. Sr. Anthoniammal from Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu.