Lasting values than one time deeds

I see a great deal of energy and effort spent on doing deeds, especially with children and in our educational institutions.  Of course, the argument is that children learn by doing.  But I also believe that they need to be told WHY they are doing what they are told to do!  It is only in this manner that we can inculcate values - which outlast any deed or time - rather than have a long list of deeds and activities. 

The recent floods in Andhra and now the earthquake in Haiti are all examples of opportunities when we involve young people in our solidarity efforts with the victims.  Rather than just ask them to contribute or collect funds, this should be a moment to rationalise and help them see 'why we do what we do'.  Thus later in life when called upon for a social act, these young people get involved for the right reasons and with the best of their creative minds!

Don Bosco's Way

Perhaps the first concrete fruits of what I intend this blog to be was materialised when Mr Chaitanya (Mugda village, Gandipet area) walked into my office this morning seeking information about the school.  I was thrilled to know that he came to know more of the school from this blog!!  I look forward to the day when this blog would be run by some of the students of the school and so will the whole 'net'-work related to the school.  For the immense possibilities the net offers, children could very well make the most of it for growth and development, not just of their own self but make a significant contribution to the world... that's my dream for each school kid walking into the campus!

Now coming to something more relevant and informative, here's a newly launched website on the educative system of Don Bosco.  It has been designed by Fr Peter Gonsalves sdb and is a treasure trove of Salesian educative principles. Anyone seeking information or further knowledge on the Salesian educative principles just need to follow Don Bosco's Way!

Cement work starts

The cement work of the building construction began yesterday in full vigour.  The pits were first filled with a thick layer of sand and yesterday they began to put the first layer of thick concrete on it.  The metal frames for the basement are ready and would be most probably put in place on Monday.  The work is moving pretty fast and the whole structure should be up (the basic structure, I mean) by June 2010.  The furnishing and touching up will take another two months.  By August 2010 the building should be more or less ready to be used as a full-fledged school. 

Outdoor publicity

The first out of campus advertising got off to a start today. Raju was good enough to ensure that all the local newspapers had a pamphlet about the school. Another section of the whole area will get their copy tomorrow morning. Later during the day, Raju and Joel went about tying the school banners at strategic points in Bandlaguda, Kalimandir, Suncity, Budvel, Perumcheruvu, Rajendranagar crossroads...

This is exactly after a month and a day of laying the foundation stone. Today was the first time there was a call of the school mobile phone asking some details about the school. So far so good.

Applications being issued

Today the first applications for the admission to the School were issued. In all four application forms were handed out. Interestingly, there were more applications for teachers and domestic helpers than students. But mind you, all this without any announcement that that application forms are being issued. Well, it's a good start anyhow.

On the other side, the ground breaking was done today. At least four pillar-pits were dug and the whole building area marked off by the Engineer and his team.

Some photos...

The ground scene as of this evening...

The trees have all been cleared and piled up at the farther end of the compound

The ground in being leveled.

The water tank is refusing to be pulled down... that's a good 15 year old monument!

That's the rabbits and animal husbandry corner of the house... sans the roof! Mind you there are still 18 rabbits in those sheds (courtesy: Fr Chowaran).

That's Tirupathi, our gardener with Mr Antik, a Parishoner and Fr TV Thomas.

 That's the Shrine behind the coconut trees. On the right is the water tank and the Sisters convent!