An eMeeting was organized for Karnataka and Kerala on July 30, 2020. Among the participants were the Center Head’s from Bangalore Province, Executive Director (Don Bosco Tech Society), Director-Planning & Development (Don Bosco Tech Society). Director (DBSM), the staff members of the Don Bosco Tech Society (National and State Office).

The meeting aimed at ‘diversification in training and operations methodology during and post COVID-19’. The opening and the meaningful song “The Power of the dream” by Celine Dion itself speaks the need to dream big and alter our method of approach to skilling, especially post-COVID-19. The participants were welcomed to join hands “TOGETHER TOWARDS TOMORROW” with Don Bosco Tech Society in finding new ways of sustainable livelihood for the needy youth especially during this time of uncertainty and chaos. Those 2 eye-opening hours had enriching sessions, inviting all to think out of the box. Fr. Joseph Elavanal (Director, DBSM) encouraged everyone to participate actively in the discussions and share their views and ideas and find new opportunities, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The topics covered during the session were:

1. Changing Scenario of Skill Ecosystem post-COVID-19
2. Features of BOONFACE
3. Networking beyond Projects
4. New Center MoU Guidelines
5. Projects & Centers in the State/Province
6. Need to shift the way we plan and operate

The insights of the discussion were to have similar kinds of meetings at regular intervals. Thus, leading to bonding and bridging the gap between the national, state, and center team by way of improved communication. This can lead to exchange the employment opportunities with all networks, to explore agro-based skilling interventions and also set up business units for opportunities, and to conduct Tele counseling for trainees. The day’s event had a lot of interesting and mind-boggling discussion and sharing. As we look ahead, the interventions will require in-depth training of technology. The entire team of Don Bosco Tech Society will work out creative and sustainable models of a skill training program to support the underprivileged youth of Karnataka and Kerala. The preceding sessions will be to understand the features of BOONFACE. The mode of session aims at one to one/small group meetings with center teams. This will be organized to explore different models of the skill training program and networking support.