Our History

The Salesians first set foot on Parra in 1999 in the person of Bro. Anthony Rocha and occupied the land donated by Mr. Rudy and Mrs. Sudha Rego. True to his magical skills and youthful vigor, he began gathering youngsters from the surrounding locality especially those who had failed and dropped out of Institute and began conducting tuition classes, enrolling them under the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Two teachers were employed namely Ms. Hilda D'souza and Ms. Glenda D'souza, to guide and assist the 60 students of which 20 were boarders, in their studies. The small villa was the Institute, boarding and residence of the Salesians and in 2003, a second Salesian Fr. Wilfred Sequeira joined the community.

To house the rapid growth of students, a multipurpose hall was set up in 2004 where the NIOS classes were also conducted.
With the intention of setting up a centre for Vocational training, a new proper structure was envisioned and the foundation stone was laid by Superior of the Konkan Vice-Province, Fr. Loddy Pires on 10th May 2006.

Besides the regular academic activities, the summer club started by Bro Rocha became the much-awaited popular holiday program that attracted many children every year. With the arrival of Fr. Ian Figueiredo in June 2006 as the Salesian In-charge, a cook and a clerk were employed and the boarding was extended to 15 boarders. Vocational courses for the domains of Fashion Designing and Basic Electricals began in September with a few students.

The house was canonically erected on 13 February 2008 and the Bosco Society for Sustainable Development was registered in August. The Provincial of Panjim Province, Fr. Loddy Pires inaugurated and blessed the new building on September 15, which housed the Salesian residence and the NIOS. In that same month, short term courses of three months duration for Garment Making and Electrical Wiring began. In the following years, a number of short term Vocational Courses such as Mobile repairs, Computer hardware, Kitchen Gardening and Beautician courses were introduced but these were short-lived.

In 2013, Don Bosco Parra got a boost with the arrival of Fr Anisio Mota, who in the span of 6 years built a strong reputation for the House and the Youth Welfare Centre. With his cheerful countenance and boundless energy, he was an inspiration for many students and our enrolment numbers for the NIOS increased rapidly. His parochial work and his interaction with the people of Parra and the surrounding areas helped cement the name of Don Bosco in the neighbourhood.

In 2019, Fr Wilfred Fernandes was appointed as the new Principal and Rector at Don Bosco Parra, ably assisted by the Administrator, Fr Adrian Pinto and the Campus Minister, Fr Wilfred Sequeira. Fr Fernandes brought a wealth of experience after serving all over the province particularly in Don Bosco Panjim for the past 15 years.

Over the years Don Bosco Parra has become a beacon for hope for many students, young and old helping them to attain their Grade X and XII certifications and get on their feet. We intend doing more in the coming year by giving them skill-based training in conjunction with their academics along with on-the-job training in reputed organizations.