Media Release
Hunsur, Oct 12: Empowering young minds to challenge social injustices, embrace responsibility and become catalysts for a better tomorrow, the Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society (R), Mangaluru, concluded its three-day Social Change Agents Forum (SCAF) Convention 2026 at St Joseph Institutions, Hunsur, Mysuru, on October 11.
Held under the inspiring theme ‘Drive the change, build the future,’ the convention brought together 150 young social change agents from 29 schools of the society. The gathering marked a significant step in the society’s ongoing commitment to adolescent empowerment, nurturing a generation of socially conscious, confident and action-oriented young leaders.
Moving beyond awareness to action, the convention provided a platform for students to understand pressing social issues, discover their potential and explore practical ways of transforming their communities.
Inspiring young people to take the lead
The second day began on an inspiring note with the unveiling of the SCAF theme logo by Dr Thippeswamy K T, former member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR). He challenged the participants to stop waiting for others to initiate change and instead take the first step towards creating a positive impact on society.
The book on Social Change and the Career Guidance Modules were released by Sr Milly Fernandes, president of the Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society. Addressing the young change-makers, she called upon them to recognise social needs, feel genuine concern for people, take initiative, drive change and work together to build the future.
Her message captured the spirit of the convention, urging the students to transform their awareness into commitment and their commitment into meaningful action.
Real-life stories that challenged social barriers
The convention drew strength from the experiences of individuals who had overcome adversity and chosen to become agents of transformation.
Jayamma, a resource person from the Azim Premji Foundation, shared her courageous journey of challenging her own child marriage and pursuing education despite her remote background. Her story highlighted the power of education, determination and the courage to question social practices that restrict human potential.
Harish Jogi, programme manager for Child Protection at UNICEF, Koppal, emphasised that sustainable social change must bring real relief, dignity and comfort to people's lives. He encouraged the participants to ensure that their initiatives created meaningful and lasting benefits for those in need.
L Sonia Dominica, Fairtrade USA advisor for Asia and Africa, facilitated a thought-provoking think-tank session that encouraged students to critically examine social issues, reflect on themselves and identify their strengths and responsibilities. The session helped them recognise their potential to become active, accountable and committed social change agents.
Adding a powerful voice of youthful leadership, 17-year-old Asavari Agrawal, founder of Shape the Future, shared her journey of creating social change through meaningful initiatives. Her experience demonstrated that young people need not wait until adulthood to make a difference; they can begin transforming society through purposeful action today.
Practical action for sustainable communities
Taking learning beyond the classroom, the convention featured demonstrations organised by S G Kendra, Mysore, and Roshni Trust, Hangal, the social action centres of the Ursuline Franciscan congregation.
The sessions introduced participants to herbal medicines, the preparation and benefits of organic manure, water conservation techniques and drug addiction prevention. These practical demonstrations connected social responsibility with environmental sustainability, community health and the well-being of society.
Cultural evening celebrates the life and legacy of Mother Nympha
The second day of the convention also featured a vibrant cultural evening showcasing the talents and creativity of students from Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society (UFES) institutions. A special tableau depicting the life and leadership of Mother Nympha was enacted under the direction of Christopher John D’Souza. Through a compelling presentation, the students brought to life her inspiring journey and leadership legacy. The programme also featured captivating dance performances and mime presentations by students of UFES institutions, adding colour and artistic expression to the evening while celebrating the values and vision that continue to inspire the Ursuline Franciscan Educational mission.
From personal struggles to renewed hope
The valedictory programme on October 11 offered another moving reminder of the importance of resilience and personal transformation. Deepthi R, a second-year degree student from Gundlupet, shared her challenging life story and journey of self-transformation.
Emphasising the importance of seeking help and support during times of distress, she encouraged young people to face their difficulties with courage, reach out when they need guidance and take positive steps towards personal growth. Her testimony reinforced the message that personal transformation can become the foundation for meaningful social change.
Schools and individuals who had demonstrated commendable social change initiatives were honoured during the valedictory function. In recognition of the pioneering nature of the convention, those who contributed to its successful organisation were also felicitated.
Delivering the concluding message, Sr Philomena Noronha called upon the young social change agents to make a firm commitment to saying yes to initiatives that promote social welfare and development. She urged them to carry the spirit of the convention into their everyday lives and become active contributors to the well-being of their communities.
The SCAF Convention 2026 reflects the Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society’s sustained efforts to empower adolescents through a dedicated programme implemented over the past five years.
Through social sensitisation, life-skills education, social change sessions, career guidance and parent capacity-building initiatives, the society seeks to equip young people with the awareness, confidence, values and practical skills required to navigate life's challenges and respond constructively to the needs of society.
The convention brought these efforts together in a shared vision: young people who do not merely recognise problems but develop the courage, creativity and responsibility to address them.
As the three-day gathering concluded, its central message remained clear — social transformation begins when concern becomes action, when young people believe in their potential and when individuals work together for the common good.
Through SCAF, the Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society reaffirmed its commitment to shaping a generation that will not simply inherit the future, but actively work to build it.