On February 27, 2005, Maria Ashiana, a Don Bosco Therapeutic Centre was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Ivo Coelho, Provincial of the Mumbai Province and Mr. Lorris Joppini of Asha Foundation, Switzerland. The Chapel at Maria Ashiana was also blessed by Rev. Fr. Provincial which was followed by a welcome address by Fr. Lester Fernandes, Director, Shelter Don Bosco.
Fr. Provincial released the book ‘Adolescents: Issues and Perspectives’ on this occasion. The function was additionally observed as the graduation day of the boys (who were earlier victims of addiction) who had successfully completed the third phase of the Therapeutic programme. Mr. Lorris Joppini and Fr. Provincial distributed the certificates to these boys. Maria Ashiana aims to help street children and those marginalized in need of therapy. The programme follows five phases: the preparatory phase of confidence building; the medical detoxification phase of medical examination and orientation towards the detoxification process; the therapeutic community living phase of 12 to 14 weeks of psycho-spiritual counselling at Lonavla; the habilitation phase of training in vocational and academic courses; and the reintegration phase of placing him in a suitable environment like a family with follow up. 14 such camps have been held already from which majority of the boys have settled down in life. Maria Ashiana is designed to serve at least 60 addicted marginalized children.
The guests were entertained by the lively dances and skits put up by the boys from the Therapeutic Centre and a skit on Alcoholism performed by the children from Pangloli Village. The programme also included various musical pieces by the band from Dominic Savio, Andheri.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Fr. Barnabe D’Souza, Director, Maria Ashiana.
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