ST.DON BOSCO:A VISIONARY EDUCATOR

Saint John Bosco, known as Don Bosco was an Italian Roman Catholic priest, Educator and writer of the 19th century, who dedicated his life to the betterment of education. He was born on August 16, 1815 in a peasant family in a little village of Becchi, about 20 kilometres from Turin, Italy. His father, Francis Bosco, died only two years after John’s birth. His mother Margaret Occiena Bosco, had a tough time raising three boys by herself.

In order to complete his education, John worked in the family farm and studied in his spare time. To pay for his education and survival he worked as a servant, teacher and did all types of odd jobs. In due course, John entered the seminary, became a priest on June 5, 1841 and was known as Don Bosco “Father Bosco”.

Don Bosco called his method of education “The Preventive System” based on REASON, RELIGION and KINDNESS. The system consists essentially in disposing the pupils to obey not from fear or compulsion, but from persuasion. He told his disciples that education was to be based on love, on selfless service for the mental, emotional, moral and spiritual growth of the pupils. Friendship was the key to his success. “ It is not sufficient to love the young, they must know that they are loved.”

Even after 125 years after his death, his followers continue his work with the same eagerness and faithfulness. The one principle that still guides them is the same principle that guided Don Bosco: “You are young, is enough to make me love you very much.