By Amarr Prabhu for BIS Mumbai

On February 12, 2026, the Don Bosco Centre for Learning (DBCL), Kurla, became a focal point of international collaboration as it hosted a high-profile 16-member delegation for the formal signing of a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement brings together the Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute (DBITI), the Handwerkskammer (HWK) Region Stuttgart (Chamber of Skilled Crafts), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The delegation was received with a vibrant traditional welcome, including the tika ceremony and a high-energy lezim performance. Distinguished attendees from the German partners included Mr Peter Friedrich (CEO, HWK Region Stuttgart), Ms Anette Groschupp (Deputy Managing Director, HWK Region Stuttgart), Mr Mohamed Badran (Head of Programme, IGGSP, GIZ), and Ms Sakshi Chawla (Senior Advisor, IGGSP, GIZ). Also present were Mr Paul-Gerhard Alber (Vice President, Handwerkskammer Reutlingen), Mr Jannik Clauß (Consultant, Handwerk International Baden-Württemberg), Dr Verena Andrei (Welcome Center Stuttgart), and Ms Kornelia Dewald (Baden-Württembergischer Müllerbund). They were joined by Ms Iris Becker and Mr Ashish Pandit from Let's Bridge IT, alongside DBCL leadership Fr Anthony Pinto (Rector & Director) and Mr Amarr Prabhu (Principal, DBITI) and Mr Vinod Noronha (Chairman, IMC DBITI).

The primary objective of this trilateral MoU is to establish a sustainable framework for vocational training and fair, development-oriented skilled migration. The partnership is rooted in the Indo-German Green Skills Programme (IGGSP), which aims to prepare Indian youth for emerging professions in green and digitalized sectors, such as solar energy and e-mobility. During the visit, Mr Amarr Prabhu provided the delegation with a deep background on DBITI’s mission, while Mr Vinod Noronha (Chairman, IMC DBITI) welcomed the guests, emphasizing the importance of industry-aligned training. A significant highlight of the day was the interaction between Ms Annette Groschupp, Ms Iris Becker, and Mr Peter Friedrich and the German language students at DBITI. This interaction underscored the program's commitment to holistic preparation, combining technical expertise with the language proficiency necessary for successful integration into the German labor market. Mr Mohamed Badran lauded the collaborative efforts, specifically acknowledging the vital contribution of Mr Ashish Pandit in making this visionary partnership a reality.

The "newsworthiness" of this event lies in its unique trilateral approach, which aligns Indian training with German dual standards while promoting fair migration pathways. The MoU outlines several critical goals:

•  Adapted Training: Implementing vocational programs in technical crafts that meet German requirements.

• Gender Responsiveness: Prioritizing women's participation in technical trades through targeted support and safe learning environments.

• Holistic Preparation: Providing technical bridge courses, language training (up to B1/B2 level), and intercultural orientation.

This collaboration is of immense significance for the students of DBITI and the wider DBCL mission. By bridging the gap between educational institutions and international industry requirements, the initiative fulfills the DBITI motto, "Learn a Trade, Earn a Living" on a global scale. Fr Anthony Pinto addressed the delegates, noting that such partnerships empower young technicians with future-ready skills that contribute to the success of both nations. To mark the occasion, he felicitated the guests with traditional shawls as a token of respect and friendship. Looking ahead, the MoU—effective through December 2027—sets the stage for long-term institutional cooperation, ensuring that Don Bosco trainees remain at the forefront of the global skilled workforce.