(ANS – Kathmandu) – Don Bosco Technical Institute “Thecho” in Kathmandu started off the second session of the year, on 5th June 2013, with a totally new and innovative scheme to empower rural and marginalized Nepali youth. One hundred boys and girls from various parts of Nepal have signed up for the totally free course with the motto “learn free, earn, and pay back.”

The programme is intended to give even the poorest and most disadvantaged young people a chance to acquire professional skills and to have the best possible opportunities to enter the world of work. In practice, young people who cannot afford normal training courses are offered a free six-month course in a subject of their choice. The cost of the course will be repaid by the students later when they have found work and are able to pay off the debt.

The course aims at giving the young people a qualification and making them responsible. It works in what could be called a ‘virtuous circle’. The money paid back by the first students when they get work, pays for free courses for other students of subsequent semesters.

“This session has attracted twice the number of young people who joined the previous session,” says Director of the Institute, Fr Jijo John, stating that 159 young people began their skills training programme in various trades. Youth from distant parts are accommodated in hostels run by the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Salesian Sisters.

Trainees for the new session are enrolled for six months training in Computer, Electrical, Fashion Design, Tailoring, Beautician and Automobile Repairs.

In his keynote address, Fr. Benjamin, the Rector of Nepal Don Bosco School Lubhu, Kathmandu stressed the need for everyone “to make use of the opportunity effectively and achieve the purpose for which the program is offered.”

Immediately after the inaugural session, the students went to their respective departments for the introductory lesson.

“I am very happy to get this opportunity to be trained in my favourite subject free of charge in such a wonderful setting,” says a grateful trainee.

DB Tech Thecho was established in 2009 and runs two six-month sessions a year.

The Graphics Training School of the Rinaldi Juniorate has developed a similar free programme for the technical and professional training of students.

Published 13/06/2013