The Capacity Building Programme for Don Bosco NGOs of India was organised by BOSCONET on 5th and 6th February 2025 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Goa.

Fr. Francis, Economer, Don Bosco Province, Goa, welcomed the participants. Fr. Santhanam, Director of BOSCONET, introduced the theme of the event, "Impact-Oriented Project Management." Fr. Banzelao Teixeira, Vice Provincial, Don Bosco Province, provided an insightful talk on the training topic, setting the stage for the sessions ahead. Fr. Joseph Leo, Executive Director, SURABI, Chennai, introduced the resource person, Dr. Anita Rego, CEO of Pearlss 4 Development. She shared insights from her vast experience, referencing past projects such as the rescue of trafficked girls, a nutrition initiative with the government, and financial models like the National Stock Exchange. She elaborated on key organizational roles:

● Executive Director’s Role – Strategic vision and leadership
● Emerging Role of Project Leads – Effective execution and implementation

The session provided an in-depth understanding of essential project management tools, including practical exercises on Impact-Driven Proposals, Theory of Change, Problem Tree Analysis, Gantt Charts, Logical Frameworks, Social Return on Investment (SROI)

Dr. Anita emphasized the importance of structured proposal writing using the Theory of Change, measuring success beyond financial metrics through SROI, and enhancing efficiency using tools like the Gantt Chart and Logical Framework. Dr. Anitaalso stressed the necessity of proper compliance and documentation, noting that the government is increasingly monitoring and requesting details of board members.

A total of 20 participants from 12 Don Bosco NGOs attended the programme. The second day began with key messages from Br. Jean Paul Muller, Economer General, Fr. Biju Michael, Regional Councillor SA, and Fr. Agilan, President. Mr. Angel Gudina, Coordinator, DB Network, shared his suggestions, followed by the presentation of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting by Mr. Louis Manohar, National Coordinator.

An important aspect of the programme was the online interactions with donor agencies, where discussions focused on challenges and concerns in fundraising within project management and expected quality standards from NGOs. The resource persons for these sessions included Mr. Markus Burri (Don Bosco, Beromünster), Mr. Daniel Knäble and Team (DB Mondo and Don Bosco Mission), and Ms. Raquel & Team (Misiones Salesianas). These discussions provided valuable insights into donor expectations and strategies for ensuring financial sustainability.

The Way Forward

The programme emphasized on the importance of equipping programme managers and project coordinators with impact-centered project management skills and ensuring continuous follow-up to strengthen Don Bosco NGOs' capacity. The two-day event served as a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and strategic planning, reinforcing the collective mission of Don Bosco NGOs in India to create sustainable social impact.