• February-19-2025

"Decent Work, Dignified Life,"- Leadership Summit 2025

Leadership Summit 2025: Commemorating Don Bosco’s Legacy for Young Workers

The Don Bosco Job Placement Network (DB JPN) in Chennai marked a historic moment by commemorating Don Bosco’s commitment to young workers’ rights through the Leadership Summit 2025. This event, themed "Decent Work, Dignified Life," celebrated 174 years since Don Bosco’s First Apprenticeship Contract and 175 years since the founding of the Mutual Aid Society.

Bringing together regional directors and collaborators from across the provinces, the summit tackled pressing youth employment challenges, shared best practices, and formulated strategies for sustainable livelihood opportunities.

A Call to Action for Youth Empowerment

In his inspiring inaugural address, Rev. Fr. Johnson Bashyam SDB, Provincial Counsellor for Vocational Guidance, Chennai Province, set the tone for the event. He emphasized that the mission of Don Bosco’s work extends beyond career guidance and job placements—it is about ensuring that every young person leads a dignified life. He called on employers to uphold their commitment to young workers by safeguarding their rights to fair wages, productive employment, and social protection.

Fr. John Christy, Youth Ministry Delegate of Chennai Province, and Fr. Gabriel Karunaraj led discussions on Don Bosco’s groundbreaking Apprenticeship Contract, considered the first modern employment agreement. They highlighted that this contract was more than a legal document; it was a revolutionary step toward ethical employment and protecting young workers' rights. It set a precedent for collaboration between employers, workers, families, and educators—an alliance that continues to inspire the Salesian mission today.

Adapting to a Changing Workforce

Mr. Jawahar Michael, an HR professional with 30 years of experience, provided invaluable insights into the evolving labor market. He stressed that the skills required today may not be relevant tomorrow and underscored the Salesians’ unique role in equipping young people with adaptability, resilience, and ethical values. “If we anticipate future trends and act now, we can ensure that no young person is left behind,” he urged, calling for a proactive approach to preparing youth for the workforce of tomorrow.

Fr. Joe Anand SDB, Director of Vazhikaatti Chennai, emphasized the importance of career guidance for school children. He pointed out that many young people from underprivileged backgrounds struggle to access information about higher education and career options. “By mentoring and assisting them in navigating admissions, scholarships, and career pathways, we can build a strong foundation for their future,” he said, reinforcing the Salesian commitment to holistic career guidance.

Echoing this sentiment, Fr. Daniel Sebastian SDB, Director of Vazhikaatti Trichy, stressed the need for personalized guidance to help young job seekers understand their strengths and find suitable opportunities. He highlighted the critical role of skill training in bridging the gap between education and employability, showcasing successful initiatives in government exam preparation that have significantly improved career prospects for young people.

Public Service and Ethical Leadership

Fr. A. Raj SDB, an Honorable Member of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission, urged young people to consider careers in public governance. He emphasized that guiding youth toward civil service careers could have a profound impact on society, aligning with Don Bosco’s vision of forming "good Christians and honest citizens."

Sustainable Career Development through Innovation

Fr. Joseph Leo SDB, Executive Director of Surabi, introduced the 3i Model—Individuals, Institutions, and Industries—as a comprehensive approach to sustainable career development. He explained how integrating free, professional, and hybrid service models ensures long-term accessibility and impact.

Meanwhile, Fr. P.T. Joseph SDB, Webmaster of the Don Bosco South Asia web portal, highlighted the importance of a strong digital presence in expanding the reach of Salesian employment initiatives. He underscored that in today’s digital world, visibility translates to opportunities. “By enhancing our online platforms, we can connect with more young people, engage with potential employers, and showcase success stories that inspire,” he said, calling for digital innovation to amplify the impact of job placement services.

Learning from Best Practices

The summit also provided a platform for regional directors to share innovative approaches and localized strategies in career guidance and job assistance. Each region demonstrated how they are creatively addressing youth employment challenges, bridging skill gaps, and connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities.

A visit to the JD Academy of Excellence, an initiative by the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore dedicated to civil service exam preparation, further reinforced the importance of structured training and mentorship. The team also explored the impactful work of Don Bosco Vazhikaatti, Broadway, gaining deeper insights into its career guidance and job placement services. This dedicated center continues to mentor, skill, and connect young job seekers with sustainable employment opportunities, embodying the Salesian mission of empowering youth for dignified livelihoods.

The Leadership Summit 2025 reaffirmed the Salesians' unwavering commitment to young workers. By combining career guidance, ethical employment practices, skill training, and digital innovation, the Salesian family continues to build pathways to decent work and dignified lives. The journey does not end here—this movement is growing stronger, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to shape a brighter, more just future.