Part of the vision of the Don Bosco Network (DBN) is to strengthen network partners to continue their mission sustainably through activities that include mobilizing resources focused on the mission priorities, improving the visibility and brand of Don Bosco and building the capacity of network PDO members.

To this extent, Bosconet has been involved in a series of workshops to build the capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in seven Indian federal states. These CSOs will be equipped to promote awareness of government welfare schemes among the people. The project that began last year aims at empowering at least 180,000 people with information regarding entitlements and government schemes that they are eligible for. It will also build the capacity of 720 CSOs on five skills that are essential for advocacy on behalf of the poor, marginalized and weaker sections of people.

An interim evaluation of the performance of the project was held recently in the four Don Bosco Project Development Offices of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Tiruchirappalli. In attendance at each meeting were Directors, the National Coordinator of BOSCONET, the respective regional directors, project staff of each Project Development Office, and representatives of the trained CSOs.

The review meeting visited the projects conceptual framework followed by a debrief to participants. Performance was assessed by comparing the actual achievement with the planned schedule and indicators. The challenges being faced were discussed and corrective measures were planned. Upcoming activities and outcome targets were articulated. Overall, the progress was deemed satisfactory and efforts towards building the PDO networks continue.