(ANS – Bangalore) – The Salesian organization “Bangalore Oniyavara Seva Coota” (BOSCO) serves youth who are living on the streets, child labourers, victims of child abuse and those who are orphaned or abandoned at seven BOSCO rehabilitation centres and six outreach hubs spread throughout the city. In 2014, BOSCO volunteers rescued 6,451 runaway youth and were able to reunite 4,681 of them with their families.

Those remaining are under the care of India’s Child Welfare Committee. Of the young people rescued, there were 5,561 boys and 900 girls, the majority of whom were between the ages of 6 and 16. Seventy-five were children under the age of five.

“Their favourite destination is Bengaluru. The majority of young people revealed during the counselling session that they had come to the city to find a job. Others said they had come as they were attracted by the charm of the city” says Father P.S. George, executive director of BOSCO in a recent Matters India article.

Salesian missionaries in the country focus their work on education and social development programmes for poor youth and their families. The programmes include Child Rights Clubs and others that educate youth about their rights and the services and protections available to them as well as those that focus attention on the plight of runaway and homeless youth.

Once youth are identified by BOSCO and convinced to come off the street, they are provided with basic needs such as housing, food and clothing. In addition, they receive counselling and, if appropriate, are reunited with their families. Education is also a primary component of BOSCO and is provided to those in the rehabilitation programme. Those who are returned to their families have access to Salesian schools throughout India. Young people who continue their education are more likely to find and retain stable employment later in life and break the cycle of poverty.

Published 21/01/2015