From the time the Salesians had taken over the Santhome orphanage in Chennai under the leadership of Fr. Tomatis in January 1909, we have been running boardings and hostels for boys all over the country. The Salesians provide good food, infrastructure, and an educative environment for study and personal development.
The Salesian boardings are run mainly for underprivileged young people who otherwise lack means for completing their studies or learning a skill. Many of these boys hail from poor families from rural areas and by the time they complete their studies in our institutes and boardings, they gain competence to face life. Most often these young people are given free education, boarding and lodging with a view that education would remove them from every type of poverty they are subjected to.
The Salesian Boarding gives ample opportunities to the boarders to improve their talents and excel in their studies. The boarders are encouraged to share the responsibility for the organization of their daily life. The brotherly and active presence of the educators, brothers and fathers at all times with them helps in the harmonious development of their own capabilities and prevents them from any unhealthy experiences.
Many thousands of Don Bosco alumni in India today would vouch for their success in life to a Salesian boarding school. Don Bosco’s educational system is best practiced in a Salesian boarding and it leaves an indelible positive impact in every student who once lived there.
Today in India we have 141 Boardings and 74 Hostels for young people in India. All our boardings have a policy of offering the poorest a chance for education and a new lease of life.
