I embarked on a Salesian Voluntary Experience with Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan Kochi during the summer of 2019 for 7 weeks. I was living with the community of Don Bosco Palluruthy and was volunteering with CHILDLINE Kochi. I spent time with the boys living in Palluruthy, especially during their leisure time and after dinner. Spending a lot of time with the community of Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan taught me so much about the importance of living and being in the present moment and to be grateful for the little moments. The Salesians were welcoming and thoughtful, and made sure I lacked nothing. I was surprised with how the community valued my presence and this helped me overcome personal challenges and appreciate the experience further.

There is a before and after in every trip, letting myself be carried away is what I did when I reached the center of Don Bosco in Palluruthy ... The farthest place from my home and my land but the closest in love and company. My best moments with the children that made up that great house, always giving you love, smiles. I went to contribute and I came learning.

I had the chance to spend 6 months in Don Bosco Orphanage as a volunteer. I appreciated the job made by the team with the children. Don Bosco Fathers and other members of the team were attached to build a day to day dynamic where sport and playing combined with education and religious practice make the overall experience for the children a great place to build themselves, learning to share, to help each other, respect...in a benevolent atmosphere. They give to those children a future with education, experiences, relationships and good opportunities when their lives have started with lots of difficulties. Don Bosco Fathers have created a good partnership with students, enterprises, and private sponsors to give more possibilities for those girls and boys.