DON BOSCO YOUTH CENTRE – SHILLONG
(Estd. 1993) INS 25
Laitumkhrah, Shillong
Meghalaya – 793003
BRIEF HISTORY
Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong, was born out of a felt need to respond to the emerging challenges faced by young people in the educational hub of Northeast India. The opportunity to begin this mission arose when St. Anthony’s College shifted to its new premises in 1982.
At that time, Fr. C.L. Thomas, Rector of St. Anthony’s College, took the initiative to remodel the old Chemistry Laboratory of the college to start youth-oriented activities. Shortly after, he was transferred to Don Bosco School, Tura, and Fr. Joseph Cilia was appointed to continue the new venture.
The official announcement of the opening of Don Bosco Youth Centre was made by Fr. Mathai Kochuparampil, Provincial of Guwahati (1979–1983), during the Provincial Chapter held at the Pastoral Centre, Shillong, from 23rd to 27th April 1983. The Salesians recognized the constant inflow of students from neighboring states and felt the need for a Centre that would cater to their educational and formative needs.
The hall chosen to house the Youth Centre was a large space measuring 140 x 30 feet, originally constructed about forty years earlier for various activities and used until recently as the Science Laboratory of St. Anthony’s College. The hall was partitioned into three rooms, with a small chapel attached. The Centre began functioning in August 1983, and it was blessed by Fr. John Kalapura, the new Provincial, on 20th May 1984.
Though the initial space was limited, the Centre soon began to offer classes in typewriting, shorthand, and coaching in academic subjects. A lending library was established, and several formative and personality development courses were introduced. The activities quickly attracted a growing number of young people, highlighting the need for larger premises.
The foundation for a new complex was blessed on 1st July 1988 by Archbishop Hubert D’Rosario, and the construction was completed three years later. With the new facilities, the Centre expanded its services, offering a wide range of programs and activities.
Over the years, the Youth Centre has become a vibrant hub of activity, open from morning until late evening. It provides courses in typewriting, shorthand, computer skills, sewing, knitting, study skills, exam preparation, and career guidance. Life-enrichment programs such as education to love, choice of life partner, marriage preparation, and awareness sessions on drugs, alcohol, and HIV/AIDS are conducted regularly. Leadership training, orientation programs, and film appreciation sessions are also integral to its mission.
In addition to on-campus programs, the Centre conducts outreach activities in schools and parishes upon request. On Sundays, it offers opportunities for Mass and other spiritual gatherings. For nearly two decades, Holy Week and Christmas programs have drawn large numbers of youth and parishioners.
Since its inception in 1983, the institution has undergone several modifications and expansions to accommodate the growing number of students. Its premises are also made available for youth-related programs, as well as to organizations like the Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The Centre provides counseling services to individuals facing various personal and social challenges.
Today, Don Bosco Youth Centre stands as a dynamic and recognized institution offering 32 courses in computer education, media, vocational training, and soft skills development. It is proud to be an ISO-certified institution, continuing its mission of empowering young people and nurturing them into responsible and capable citizens.
Community Members:
Director: Fr Michael Makri
Ast. Dir: Fr Ritonbor Kharkongor
Student Brother: Pyntngenlang Tynsong
https://www.donboscoyouthcentre.com/
MINISTRIES AND FACILITIES
Besides these regular programs, there are other courses which are held at the Centre by various groups under the general supervision of the confreres. They are: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. ORIENTATION COURSES
COMPUTER COURSES
- CERTIFICATE COMPUTER COURSE FOR BEGINNER (2 MONTHS)
- CERTIFICATE COMPUTER COURSE FOR INTERMEDIATE (3 MONTHS)
- TALLY ERP9 (2 MONTHS)
- ACCOUNTING WITH TALLY & GST (2 MONTH)
- MS-OFFICE (2 MONTHS)
- MS-EXCEL (2 MONTHS)
- MS-WORD AND POWERPOINT (2 MONTHS)
- DESKTOP PUBLISHING – DTP (2 MONTHS)
- DATA ENTRY OPERATOR – DEO (2 MONTHS)
- DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER APPLICATIONS – DCA (6 MONTHS)
- HARDWARE, NETWORKING & LAPTOP REPAIRING, CCTV INSTALLATION (3 MONTHS)
- ADVANCE DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER APPLICATION (6 MONTHS)
- TYPING (1 MONTH)
- SHORTHAND CLASS – STENOGRAPHY (5 MONTHS)
- SPOKEN ENGLISH (1 MONTH)
- PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOFT SKILLS (1 MONTH)
- IELTS/TOEFL COACHING (1 MONTH)
- DRESS MAKING (2 MONTHs)
- EMBROIDERY (2 MONTHS)
- MUSIC CLASSES (1 MONTH)
- BASICS IN PHOTOGRAPHY (1 MONTH)
- DANCE LESSONS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGER (1 MONTH)
- DANCE LESSON FOR ADULT AND YOUTH (1 MONTH)
- VIDEOGRAPHY (2 MONTHS)
- HOSPITALITY & HOTEL MANAGEMENT (45 DAYS)
- DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL MEDIA JOURNALISM (6 MONTHS)
- PROGRAMMING IN PYTHON, C++ & VB.NET (2 MONTHS)
- PROGRAMMING IN JAVA & JAVA SCRIPT (2 MONTHS)
- MCS, SSC, BANK EXAMS COACHING