A meeting was held at the Don Bosco Campus in Ennore, Chennai, to discuss initiatives supporting intra-state migrants, particularly youth, within the INM (Indian National Mission) framework. The meeting was attended by Youth Service Coordinators from various communities, along with the Migrant Ministry Director, who provided valuable insights into the needs and challenges of young migrants within the region.

Presentation on the Needs of Young Migrants

The Migrant Ministry Director delivered a detailed presentation on the importance of gathering and supporting data related to young intra-state migrants. The primary focus was on migrants arriving from within the state but who often find themselves disconnected from their home communities. The goal is to gather information about these individuals to provide necessary services such as spiritual assistance, psychological support, career guidance, and job placement opportunities.

This initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging for individuals who may feel isolated and distant from their families and friends. By creating a “home away from home” atmosphere, the Don Bosco Campus, and its affiliated parishes and institutions, would serve as a spiritual and community hub for these young migrants.

Data Collection and Management

The first step in realizing this goal is to gather accurate and reliable data. It was agreed that data on young migrants would be collected from local parishes, institutions, and the wider community areas. The data collection would be managed using a Google Sheets format, providing an efficient, collaborative method for verifying, editing, and sharing information among the teams.

This data would not only help identify and track the young migrants but also enable more targeted and effective interventions. It will serve as a database for offering essential services, such as career development and spiritual growth.

Services to be Provided

The services outlined for these young migrants include:

Spiritual Assistance: While the initiative is open to all, special spiritual guidance and attention will be given to Catholic youth. This ensures that migrants from Catholic communities feel rooted in their faith even when away from home.

Psychological Support: Given the potential emotional and psychological challenges of migration, counselors and mentors will be made available to support youth, addressing loneliness, cultural adjustment, and personal growth.

Career Guidance and Job Placement: A crucial focus will be on helping young migrants navigate employment opportunities. Providing career guidance and job placement will empower these youth to be financially independent and thrive in new environments.

Community Building: A strong sense of community will be cultivated, ensuring young migrants are not isolated. By organizing community events and regular gatherings, a support system will emerge among the youth, promoting unity and self-reliance.

Open-door Policy: The Don Bosco Campus will always remain open to youngsters, regardless of their faith, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the initiative. However, additional attention will be given to Catholic youth to nurture their spiritual growth.

Animation and Coordination

The Don Bosco Migrant Services (DBMS) will play a leading role in organizing and coordinating all animation and activities under this initiative. The animation will focus on unity, support, and guidance, encouraging participants to develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility within their communities.

All Youth Service Coordinators present at the meeting expressed their commitment to supporting the initiative. They emphasized their readiness to contribute, ensuring the successful implementation of the proposed services.

Target Group

The target group for this initiative includes young migrants between the ages of 20 and 30. This age group, often transitioning into professional life, is especially vulnerable to the social and emotional challenges posed by migration, and thus represents the primary demographic for the services.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with a strong sense of commitment from all participants to move forward with the plan. The Don Bosco Migrant Services, in collaboration with the Youth Service Coordinators, will lead the efforts to provide comprehensive support to young migrants. The next steps involve gathering and organizing data, finalizing service plans, and launching community events that will help migrants thrive both spiritually and socially.

This initiative represents a significant step in ensuring that the Don Bosco community remains inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the needs of young migrants, providing them with the resources and support they require to succeed.