Melvin Pangya WALVANDA, OCTOBER 25, 2011: Inauguration and blessing of Don Bosco Rural Technical Centre in Walvanda was held on October 24, 2011. Ms. Roswitha Maus, Project Manager, JUGEND DRITTE WELT, Bonn, Germany and Fr. Michael Fernandes, Salesian Provincial were the chief guests for the occasion.
Construction of the centre began in January 2011 and was completed in October 2011. It is a multi skills training centre. Through this centre, the beneficiaries will receive basic training in Welding, Electricals, Plumbing, Hospitality, Computers and Spoken English. The course will consist of both, theoretical component as well as hands-on practical training. The courses offered will be a mix of short term (three months and six months) and long term (one year and two years) courses so as to suit the aptitude and capacity of the students. Students will mainly be drawn from disadvantaged sections of society and school drop outs. This training will enable them to gain the skills required for employment and thereby ensure them a sustainable livelihood. To enhance their employability, the students will also receive training in soft skills and life coping skills.
Guests were taken in procession from the main road to the venue with traditional tarpha dance by the children from Supportive Education Classes run by the Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS). A traditional dance was performed by the village development committee members and Self Help Group members at the entrance of the new building. The centre was inaugurated by Ms. Roswitha Maus by cutting the ribbons and blessed by Fr. Michael Fernandes. Guests and other invitees were welcomed and felicitated through a well organized programme by BSVS.
A PowerPoint presentation explaining various activities of BSVS was presented during the programme. Ms. Maus and Fr. Fernandes planted two trees at the entrance to the new building as lasting memento of this occasion. Fr. Savio Silveira, Executive Director DBDS and Fr. Anthony Santarita, Rector Bosco Boys Home were the main dignitaries for the function. Fr. Bastian, Mr. Bacchu Fadvale, Sarpanch Walvanda, Mr. Balwant Mhada, Sarpanch Shiroshi, Mr. Vilas Gole, Head Master Walvanda High School were present along with other invitees.
Fr. Anaclete D'mello Director BSVS thanked Fr. Provincial, Fr. Elson, Fr. Savio and Ms. Maus and all the invitees. He made a special mention of Mr. Shekar the contractor who did an excellent job of constructing the building in record time. Bro. Alex Gonsalves translated the meaningful message given by Ms. Maus to the gathering.