(ANS – Guwahati) – In an effort to impart skills leading to employment to unemployed youth and school dropouts, a Skill Development Institute - Bosco Skill Training Institute (BSTI) - was blessed and launched at Barpeta Road, Guwahati on Monday 16 March.

by Bhivan Mukhim, SDB

The provincial, Fr. VM Thomas, inaugurated the building in the presence of Dr. Martin Kasper, the President of Childaid Network, Germany, and Assam government dignitaries, guests from Germany and England, the Rector of Don Bosco Barpeta, Fr. Marcus Lakra, and a large gathering of priests, nuns, students and their guardians. The launching of the programme coincided with the commencement of the new batch of training in skill development under the Government of Assam project.

Lauding the German Government and the Childaid Network, Germany, for supporting and partnering Don Bosco Province of Guwahati in its endevour to establish the Bosco Skill Training Institute, the provincial Fr VM Thomas stated: “This is a moment of great joy for the province to be able to set up another skill development institute. This is a dream come true. Now the youth of this region and more especially of this district can have access to training, employment and development of their full potentialities.”

Fr VM Thomas expressed his appreciation of Dr. Kasper, President of Childaid Network, and the Round Tablers for the financial help extended. He also expressed his hope for more help in the construction of the hostels for both boys and girls.  

Dr  Kasper said that joint initiatives by Don Bosco and Childaid Network will undoubtedly go a long way not only in honing the skills of the youth but also in assisting them to get gainful employment.

Complimenting the confreres at Barpeta for thier hard work, Dr. Kasper added, “a few months ago when I visited this place, it was a slushy, slumpy place but today we have a beautiful institute here and I really hope this centre will help you to realize your dreams.”

Present on the occasion was Mr. Shiladutta Chetia, Superintendent of Police, Barpeta Road, who is an alumnus of Don Bosco Guwahati. He said, “It is a commendable project undertaken by Don Bosco to train a large chunk of the population and enable them to be ready for work and self reliant.”

Finally the students displayed their talents through various cultural dances at the inaugural function.

Published 26/03/2015