22 September, 2025
DBMS Orientation for Stella Maris BSW Students
Date: 22nd September 2025
Venue: Don Bosco Migrant Services, Chennai
Don Bosco Migrant Services (DBMS) organized an orientation program on 22nd September 2025 for 40 Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students from Stella Maris College. The program was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and field realities, offering students meaningful exposure to the struggles, resilience, and rights of migrant workers.
The main objective of the orientation was to familiarize students with DBMS’s mission and interventions, while raising awareness about the socio-economic, health, and legal challenges faced by migrant communities. Fr. Simolin, Director of DBMS, led the session, highlighting the organization’s services such as health support through medical camps, educational assistance for migrant children, awareness on safety and hygiene, and legal protection from workplace exploitation. He emphasized DBMS’s ongoing commitment to uphold the dignity and empowerment of migrants.
The session encouraged students to reflect on their future roles as social workers and helped them understand ground-level issues such as housing insecurity, health vulnerabilities, social discrimination, and lack of access to entitlements. Many students noted that this engagement allowed them to connect their classroom knowledge with practical realities, making the experience more personal and transformative. One student remarked that while social issues are studied in class, listening to real cases through DBMS made them feel more committed to their professional calling. Another shared that working with migrants is not just about providing services but about restoring dignity and giving them a voice.
The orientation also strengthened collaboration between Stella Maris College and DBMS. For students, it provided first-hand field exposure and an opportunity to see the direct impact of social work. For DBMS, it created a pathway to engage with young social workers who may become future advocates and volunteers for migrant welfare. DBMS envisions nurturing a socially conscious generation of professionals committed to justice, compassion, and inclusivity.
The program concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session focusing on migrant entitlements, legal rights, and health initiatives. Students left with a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced by migrant communities, along with renewed motivation to contribute to social justice and community development.
