by Father Johnson Kshirsagar for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) Walvanda is soft-skilling 25 young Katkari girls, since 23 November 2020. The young girl-students of the marginalized Katkari tribal community are provided computer training, electrical-mechanic training, soft skills and spoken English training.

This was initiated, since the COV8D-19 had rendered many of these girls unemployed, as the daily wage-earning possibilities was impossible durung the lockdown. DBTI Principal, Father Monty Rodrigues and Coadjutor/Brother Anthony D’souza motivated and convinced these young girls to pursue skill training through house visits, focused group discussions and individual counselling.

BSVS Director, Father Anaclete D’Mello encouraged the young girls, assuring them the privision for use of the DBTI facilities and conducting classes. All the necessary machinery equipment and working materials for the training, were duly provided, with the recommended COVID-19 precautions.

This intervention by BSVS and DBTI at Walvanda, has created a positive vibe for education in and around Walvanda, with more young people approaching the Salesians of Don Bosco with an expression of interest (EoI) for prolonged soft-skill training.