School Education

The Salesian Province operates a vast network of 47 schools, including 26 Higher Secondary Schools, three High Schools, and various Primary Schools, forming a substantial platform to influence and transform lives. The schools prioritize integral education, focusing on physical, intellectual, spiritual, moral, psychological, social, emotional, and cultural aspects, outlined in the Salesian Educative Pastoral Plan (SEPP). Strategic planning, budgeting, and fee fixation are integral to mission execution, overseen by the Economer's desk. The province efficiently centralizes resources for notebooks, uniforms, and printing needs through institutions like SIGA and SIHARAM. Transparent and thorough teacher selection by the CRB ensures quality educators for government postings, reflecting a commitment to providing the best education to all, especially the underprivileged. HIGHER EDUCATION

The Salesian Province actively engages in diverse ventures to cater to youth, emphasizing daring and creative initiatives across various educational settings. Among the 12 institutes of Higher Education, eight provide hostel facilities. Significant growth is evident, with the Agricultural College in Sagayathottam overcoming obstacles and advancing agricultural development. Efforts to extend the Diploma program in agriculture to places like Kadambur, Polur, and Karaikal are underway. Arts and Science Colleges, particularly Sacred Heart College & Don Bosco College, Dharmapuri, pursue NAAC accreditation, while the Karaikal College seeks ways to strengthen student intake. The Polytechnic college of SIGA excels, with potential expansions in Bagalur and ongoing successful tie-ups. B. Ed. College present opportunities for training teachers in the Don Bosco system, highlighting the importance of hostel facilities for effective training, especially for female students. Leadership development programs indicate a strategic focus on empowering youth through education, suggesting future endeavors in Kotagiri alongside social outreach programs.

Schools (44)

Self-financed Schools = 26

ICSE Schools – 1

Don Bosco School, Lalpahar, South Andaman

CBSE Schools – 4

Don Bosco School of Excellence – Egmore, Chennai

St. Bede’s Academy – Santhome, Chennai

Don Bosco School of Excellence – Tirupattur

St. Mary’s Catholic High School – Fujairah (CBSE Curriculum)

UK Curriculum - 1

St. Mary’s Catholic High School – Fujairah (UK Curriculum)

Hr. Sec. Schools (Tamil Medium) – 3

Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School – Gedilam

St. Joseph’s Hr. Sec. School – Pavunjur

Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School – Sagayathottam

Hr. Sec. (Matriculation/English Medium) – 10

Don Bosco Matric. Hr. Sec. School – Ayanavaram, Chennai

Don Bosco Matric. Hr. Sec. School – Egmore, Chennai

Don Bosco Matric. Hr. Sec. School – Redhills, Chennai

Dominic Savio Matric. Hr. Sec. School – Santhome, Chennai

Don Bosco Matric. Hr. Sec. School – Pannur

Don Bosco Matric. Hr. Sec. School – Tagore Nagar, Puducherry

Don Bosco Matric. Hr. Sec. School – Thalavadi

Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School – Nedungadu, Karaikal

Don Bosco Matric. Hr. Sec. School – Tirupattur

Don Bosco Matric. Hr. Sec. School – Gandhi Nagar, Vellore

High School (Matriculation/English Medium) – 4

Dominic Savio Matric. School – Broadway, Chennai

Don Bosco Matric. School – Cuddalore

Don Bosco Matric. School – Gedilam

Don Bosco Matriculation School – Veeralur

Primary (English Medium) – 3

Don Bosco Primary School – Broadway, Chennai

Don Bosco Primary School – Perambur, Chennai

Don Bosco Nursery & Primary School – Perambur, Chennai (Parish)

Aided Schools = 18

Hr. Sec. – 10

St. Gabriel’s Hr. Sec. School – Broadway, Chennai

St. Mary’s Anglo-Ind. Hr. Sec. School – George Town, Chennai

Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School – Perambur, Chennai

St. Bede’s Anglo-Ind. Hr. Sec. School – Santhome, Chennai

Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School – Vyasarpadi, Chennai (Partly Aided –

up to 10 th )

Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School – Jolarpettai (Partly Aided – up to 8 th )

Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School – Pannur

Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School – Polur (Partly Aided – up to 10 th )

Dominic Savio Hr. Sec. School – Tirupattur

Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School – Gandhi Nagar, Vellore

High – 1

St. Dominic Savio (Govt. Aided) High School – Jeevanandapuram, Puducherry

Primary – 7

Savio Primary School – Perambur, Chennai

Don Bosco Primary School – Vyasarpadi, Chennai

R.C. Primary School – Maranodai

Don Bosco Primary School – Jolarpettai

R.C.M School – Polur

R.C.M School – Renderipet

Dominic Savio Elementary School – Tirupattur

Colleges

Higher Education Institutes - 12

Arts & Science (5)

Don Bosco Arts & Science College

– Kilpauk, Chennai

Don Bosco Arts & Science College

– Dharmapuri

Don Bosco Arts & Science College

– Karaikal

Sacred Heart College (Autonomous)

– Tirupattur

Don Bosco Arts & Science College

– Yelagiri Hills

B.Ed. Colleges (1)

Don Bosco College of Education

– Dharmapuri

Polytechnic Colleges (3)

Don Bosco Polytechnic College

– Thirukazhukundram,

SIGA Polytechnic College

– Kilpauk, Chennai

Don Bosco Polytechnic College

– Basin Bridge

Agriculture Colleges (2)

Don Bosco College of Agriculture

– Sagayathottam (DBCA)

Sagayathottam Institute of Agriculture Research and Development (SIARD)

Polytechnic Colleges (3)

Don Bosco Polytechnic College – Thirukazhukundram,

SIGA Polytechnic College – Kilpauk, Chennai

Don Bosco Polytechnic College – Basin Bridge

Technical Schools – 5 + 1

St. Joseph’s Private ITI – Basin Bridge, Chennai

Don Bosco Private ITI – Kavarapettai

Don Bosco Private ITI – Polur

Auxilium Private ITI – Tirupattur

St. Joseph’s Private ITI – Katpadi

SAGAI (Non-formal) – Bagalur

Technical Education

We have Five ITIs and a non-formal Technical education centre in our Province. There is a good flow of students to these institutions. Five of these also have hostel facilities. Although, most of these trades are full, and our confreres give their best to the development of these young people, the equipment that we have in these centres have to be upgraded. We also need to prepare people for the development of these centres. The beautiful part of these centres is that they all are to skill the poor young people and they are able to find a job to make their contribution to the development of the world. Thus, we are able to provide them dignity and confidence to face life with all its challenges.

Boarding (Boys’ & Girls’ Homes) and Hostels

  1. Bagalur

  2. Chennai, Basin Bridge

  3. Chennai, Basin Bridge - Working Men Hostel

  4. Chennai, Broadway: Refuge - Working Men Hostel

  5. Chennai, Kavarapettai: DBAI (Boarding)

  6. Chennai, Kilpauk: Rinaldi Juniorate

  7. Chennai, Park Town: DBAI (Street Children Shelter Homes 3 Nos.)

  8. Chennai, Perambur: LS Parish (Semi-Boarding)

  9. Chennai, Perambur: Vazhikaatti – Transitory Hostel for Working Youth Boys (One- Year-Stay)

  10. Chennai, Red Hills - DBWT

  11. Chennai, Santhome: St. Bede’s

  12. Chennai, Vyasarpadi: DBB

  13. Pope John’s Garden, Madhavaram

  14. Gedilam – Maranodai

  15. Jawadhi Hills

  16. Kadambur

  17. Pannur

  18. Polur – Agro Tech

  19. Polur – Parish

  20. Puducherry – Thattanchavady

  21. Sagayathottam

  22. Thirukazhukundram

  23. Thiruvannamalai

  24. Tirupattur – Dominic Savio

  25. Tirupattur – Don Bosco

  26. Tirupattur – Don Rua

  27. Tirupattur – MHC Parish

  28. Tirupattur – S.H.C. (5 Nos.)

  29. Vellore, Gandhi Nagar: DB (Orphanage)

  30. Vellore, Katpadi: St. Joseph’s

  31. Yellagiri – Don Bosco (Boarding for the Tribal

  32. Children)

  33. Yellagiri – Don Bosco

Youth Ministry Dimensions

Education and Culture - Kalvisolai

Don Bosco Kalvi Solai (DBKS) has played a pivotal role in enhancing the educational landscape and fostering Salesian values in the Chennai Province. Several noteworthy initiatives and accomplishments reflect its commitment to staff development, educational quality, and holistic student growth.

a) Regular staff updation courses have been conducted to ensure continuous professional development.

b) DBKS relocated to Don Bosco Thattanchavady Campus in June 2023, contributing to the revival of the Boys' Home campus in Pondicherry.

c) Diligent communication of government orders and policies to school management ensures compliance.

d) The Director represents educational institutions in various formal bodies, contributing to wider educational networks.

e) Overseeing staff recruitment and monitoring appointments in aided schools, DBKS ensures adherence to government recognition requirements.

f) Since June 2023, DBKS serves as a Lay Leadership Training Center, inaugurating a comprehensive two-year formation program for 30 lay staff members.

g) Regular monitoring of schools by DBKS emphasizes the implementation of educational policies, teaching and learning processes, and students' holistic development.

h) A research study conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 identified areas for improvement in Tamil medium schools, emphasizing staff motivation and infrastructure enhancements.

i) DBKS organizes annual seminars on Salesian Education System and provides ongoing formation in Salesian Spirituality and Pedagogy.

j) Rubrics and parameters for staff and school appraisal are available on the DBKS website.

k) Collaboration with DEEPAGAM in the PACE/PAVE program enhances pedagogical skills for teachers handling catechism and moral science.

l) Approval of the annual salary structure ensures alignment with the province's policies.

m) Collaboration with DBSARC disseminates information on Constitutional Rights and Values education.

n) Networking with NIRAVAGAM facilitates training for teachers on remedial education in collaboration with NANDHAVANAM, an NGO.

o) The release of the STAFF SERVICE REGISTER in October 2023 enhances systematic documentation related to staff appointments and evaluations, streamlining administrative processes.


Partnership in Mission: Lay Collaboration & Volunteerism

Laity play a vital role of partnership in our ministry. By promoting exposure and field work experience to BSW/ MSW and other interested and motivated college students of the Salesian Institutions and others in our YaR Centres, we can work together to make this world a better place for those less fortunate.

The Past Pupils of our YaR Centres can be motivated to be volunteers. The Salesian Cooperators & Past Pupils Movements could adopt YaR Centres to offer voluntary service to assist the children. Some Professionals, who are active, in positions or retired, can be given awareness about our institutions and appeal to them to be our volunteers. A Salesian Formative programme could be initiated to create interest in Volunteerism.

INM has full-fledged ‘De-addiction programme’ at Jawadhi Hills with the collaboration of CMC Vellore, to cater to rural villages of the locality and to people from North Arcot who are referred for treatment over there. This experience has shown the need to replicate similar programs of ‘Integrated De-addiction Programme (IDP)’ and ‘Community Based Campaign (CBC) against Alcoholism/ Substance Abuse’ in the major towns, like, Chennai, Dharmapuri, Puducherry, Tirupattur, Thiruvannamalai and Vellore. A full-fledged Youth De-addiction Centre/ Clinic for Treatment of Addictions in the Province with sub-centres in the regions can be envisaged in the near future.

In all our YaR sub-centres, the focus is on outreach, like;

  1. HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention,

  2. Rescue & Restoration of children from Trafficking & Abuses

  3. Prevention of Migrants to Urban location

  4. Awareness creation and Prevention of Substance Abuse,

  5. Animation of Youth (schools, colleges), etc.

Commission

EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL

1. Fr. John Britto Savarinathan (Coordinator)

2. Fr. John Peter Suvickan

3. Fr. Xavier Packiam

4. Fr. Ravi Aruldass

5. Fr. Arokiadoss Lourdusamy

6. Fr. Mathias Emareddy

7. Fr. Theophil Gregory

8. Mrs. Vanitha

9. Mr. Daniel