Dear Friends, “Time is not measured by the passing of years but by what one does, what one feels and what one achieves.” Measuring by this yardstick we can say that the year 2008 has been another year of great opportunities and grace for DBI, as we were able to cover several significant mile stones. The inauguration of Savio Niwas Hostel for the boys, the inauguration of the Faculty residence, the blessing of Mother Teresa Chapel and the Holy Child Prayer Room, the laying of the foundation stone of the mini sports Complex, the mega event of the youth expo 2008 and the three national events organized by us - The National Conference of teachers, The National Workshop for Youth Animators and the National Conference on Education for School Principals, which gave DBI a national thrust, are among these blessings. In 2008 we were able to reach out to around 1000 school teachers through teacher training programmes and around 3000 school students through various youth developmental programmes, besides 1000 students who were provided with skills through various vocational courses. We were able to launch new frontiers of services through a series of training for 600 Govt officers through the Management programmes at DBI.
Another major event has been the two- month-long German Karma Riders Cycle rally through North East India which culminated in Imphal. Besides the specific objectives of showcasing the cultural diversity of North East India and of telling the world that there is more to North East India than Bandhs and violence, it was also aimed as an initiative to raise funds for the education of deprived children in North East India. I would like to thank God for the protection granted to the cyclists. I express my thanks and appreciation to the well the deserving staff of DBI and enthusiastic supporters for making this mega event a success.
A significant landmark which came to crown the year was laying of the foundation stone for three schools in the BTAD area to provide quality education to the deprived children of Kokrajhar. It was a long cherished dream to establish few good schools in the rural area for the deprived children and it became a reality on December 1, 2008. The foundation of the main school building at Amguri was laid by Hagrama Mohilary, BTAD Chief who assured full support and security for DBI for the work on behalf of deprived children. As a gesture of appreciation he announced a donation of 10 lakhs towards the boundary wall of the school. I believe that when our mission embraces the larger humanity, God lines up people and circumstances in the accomplishment of the mission.
The laying of the Foundation stone for the NE CBCI Coordinating centre cum DBI Trainee Hostel at Joypur on 3rd December is another leap into the dark with the confidence that God will see to its completion as it is going to serve the cause of a larger society.
Though we have had many happy events and occasions during the year 2008 that make us feel proud, we have also witnessed some of the most inhuman and shameful happenings in our State and in the Country which recalls to us the words of Martin Luther King who said: “The ultimate tragedy of humankind is not the brutality of the few but the silence of the many”. The violence in the recent months are too cruel to be erased from our minds. Evil cannot be overcome by evil. Only the united force of good can overcome it.
I take this opportunity to thank each one of the faculty and staff of DBI for their hard work and commitment which has contributed to the growth of DBI. I wish you the joys of Christmas and pray that the year 2009 be one of peace, joy and fulfillment. Let courage, optimism and commitment lead our way as we implore God's blessings on all our efforts.
Happy Christmas and
a grace-filled New Year 2009.
The location and environment of DBI is nostalgic. Resource persons are unparallel. This sort of training I should have been given at the beginning of my service in the 1973. Lalsanya Dhar Banick, Jt. Commissioner of Taxes, Assam
After a long gap I have been again introduced with such a splendid environment that I could not but be hypnotized. The depth of the faculty members and the lessons learnt surely start rubbing rust from my brain. The beauteous green and the big Brahmaputra remind me: “A tender touch of the vernal wood can teach you more of man that all the sages can.” Majit Kr. Borah, MDP participants, Damra
The course was very interesting though quite tough as it deals with graphics designing, multimedia skills and it involves lot of thinking, creativity, hard work and concentration. I know it will benefit me a lot in my future career. Iadasuk Lyngdoh, DTP-'A' level, Shillong
I have gained a lot from the course (MOM) which will definitely assist me productively in my office job. I will treasure the amazing and fruitful experience at DBI where we were encircled by love, joy and unity. I came at my worst but I leave at my best, because DBI has taught me to meet the challenges of life and become a better human being. Esther Alaina, Manipur
The course I underwent (Hardware and Networking) is really opening up for me a path in my career. If I were to get such a prosperous institution at my early age, I would have been perfect in many fields. Truly speaking, I enjoyed everything that was offered here at DBI by the dear superiors and my heart says “Thank You” for everything. Anand Lakra, Dhekiajuli
I had been looking for a good institute for long and that desire was fulfilled when I took admission in the Diploma for Electronics and Service Engineering at Don Bosco Institute, Kharghuli. This course of one year duration taught me about the various electronic gadgets, how to identify various circuits etc. which is tough. Now that I have completed the course I feel confident. DBI will remain as a sweet memory in my mind. Robert Ch. Sangma, Narengi, Guwahati
HAGRAMA, BTAD CHIEF LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR SCHOOL
December 1, 2008 marked the beginning of a new dawn of hope for the riot affected children of Kokrajhar district with the laying of the foundation stones of three schools, a High school, a Middle school and a Primary school- Contrary to the serial blasts and serial attacks which often bring despair and sadness into the lives of people, this was a serial act giving hope to a new generation by lighting the lamp of knowledge in three separate villages that will illumine the lives of hundreds of children who apparently see a bleak future ahead of them.
The occasion was made memorable and significant by the presence of the Shri Hagrama Mohilary, BTAD Chief, Smt. Pramila Rani Brahma, Minister for Agriculture and WPT & PC, Assam, Shri J.I. Kathar, Principal Secretary, BTAD, Shri Kampa Borgyary, Depty Chief, BTAD, Shri Mano Kr. Brahma, E.M., BTAD, Rt. Rev.Dr. Thomas Pulloppillil, Bishop of Bongaigaon Diocese and Fr. Ethelbert Minj, Vice Provincial, Salesian Province of Guwahati. Speaking at the foundation stone ceremony of Don Bosco School, Amguri, a predominantly Santal inhabited area, Shri Hagrama, lauded the contribution made by the Don Bosco Society towards the development of the region. He appreciated the efforts being made by the Don Bosco Institute to provide educational facilities to the deprived children of the BTAD area and as a token of appreciation, the BTAD Chief made a magnanimous gesture of announcing a donation of Rs. 10 lakhs towards building the boundary wall around the new school at Amguri.
Smt. Pramila Rani and Shri Kampa Borgyary, in their speech, echoed similar feelings of appreciation about the educational and developmental activities undertaken by the Catholic Church and the Don Bosco Institute in particular. Rev. Dr. Thomas Pulloppilil who blessed the three foundation stones, also expressed his appreciation for the noble work undertaken in his Diocese. With his unique capacity to speak 7 regional languages he was able to appeal to the hearts of various ethnic groups by addressing them in Assamese, Bodo and Santhal.
The foundation ceremony was made colourful by the cultural items performed by the Students of Don Bosco, Kokrajar, St. Anne's Junior College and the students of Amguri.
Later, on the same day, Shri J.I. Kathar, Principal Secretary, BTAD, laid the foundation of the second school building at Joypur. He narrated moving stories of his experience and early association with the riot victims and expressed happiness at the initiatives taken by Don Bosco Institute. The foundation stone at Gaurinagar was laid by Fr. V.M. Thomas, Executive Director, DBI. Fr. Thomas in his speech emphasized that education is the only tool for economic development and pointed out that the increasing knowledge gap between the rich and poor need to be bridged by providing quality education to the poor.
The laying of the foundation stones for three schools marks the beginning of the realization of a big dream of Fr. V.M. Thomas who initiated and supported the literacy programmes in the relief camps right from the year 2001.
There is already a great transformation seen among these children and their families. Ten years ago there was fear, insecurity and helplessness written on their faces. Today, their faces are lit with joy and hope and it was a moving sight to see a group of children from the Gaurinagar village literally sheding tears when they sang their self composed song of “Thank You” to Fr. V.M. Thomas, who brought hope into their lives.
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At a time when communal flames are raging in the state, five German cyclists have decided to tour NE India to spread the message of peace (TOI).
It has been a lifetime experience for the rural folk of Assam as well as for the five young German KarmaRiders who have been riding their bicycles through the highways, dusty lanes and muddy byelanes of Kamrup, Nalbari, Bangaigaon, Barpeta, Kokrajhar, Udalguri, Darang and Sonitpur districts since the cycle team was flagged off their journey from Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati, in the morning of October 13. In spite of the Assam bandh call, the overwhelming welcome and participation by the public, district administration, including the warm welcome and reception by the Koch Rajbangshi Students’ Union, has proved that people want peace, and sports can be a medium towards achieving it.
About 1,500 children along with their parents and guardians, mostly belonging to the relief camps of Kokrajhar, observed Sports Day on October 14th at Dunabari and offered a warm reception to the cyclists by singing, dancing and sporting. Before that, the KarmaRiders visited a relief camp in Bengtol and received a Santhali traditional welcome. In Bangaigaon they were received by more than 300 well wishers while 50 school students rode bicycle with them. The cyclists did a 104 kms ride from Barama to Bangaigaon accompanied by 6 bullet riders, and 60 school cyclists who rode 12 kms with them at Barpeta Road. A grand youth festival was organized by Bongaigaon district administration to receive the riders.
“The KarmaRiders were offered rousing receptions on the highway, emotional interactions took place with the public throughout the route, teachers on bikes accompanying all the way to Bongaigaon, reception and a colourful gorgeous cultural programmes by the district administration of Bongaigaon and a tasty dinner to conclude the day after a bumpy 104 fast cycle ride”, said Fr. V. M. Thomas, Chief Coordinator of the Expedition.
When contacted, Dr. Martin Kasper, Childaid Network of Germany, said, “It was a memorable day for the KarmaRiders - a mix of religious diversity at Hajo, scenic rural Assam, cultural integration, Government participation, experience of deep cultural rootedness of the people at Nalbari, the cultural capital of lower Assam, interactions with children of rural schools at Amiyapuri and Barama, affectionate and emotional welcomes”.
The adventurous expedition which started from Guwahati on 13th October, culminated in Imphal, Manipur on 5th of December 2008, after covering at least 2,500 kms across the northeastern states. Fantastic road shows were visible throughout the route as groups of local cyclists joined in different places. There were receptions and cultural events at major cities, towns and villages along the route showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the region. On 19th October, the KarmaRiders did a 60 kms cycle tour across Guwahati city involving 1000 cyclists including students from educational institutions. The tour in Guwahati was flagged off at 7 am from Latasil field and culminated at Nehru Stadium.
The objectives of the expedition are: to create awareness about the land, people, culture and beauty of NE India and to build bridges across communities, to mobilize youth to challenge themselves and take up adventurous activities, to highlight the challenges facing deprived children and mobilize resources for their education, and to build bridges and remove the stereotype of Northeast as a land of insurgency and conflict.
The five German youths had recently covered 2,500 kms by bicycle all across Germany for the cause of children. The cycle expedition was organized by Don Bosco Society, Northeast, in collaboration with Childaid Network, Germany.
“This is a special tour. The time is right as not only Assam but the world is in trouble. There is social and financial turmoil. In this context, the efforts of the Karmariders holds much significance,” said Martin Kasper, Founder of Childaid, Germany.
“At a time when communities within Assam are losing trust in each other and the region is being known for all the negative reasons, this expedition will help in building a positive image and also encourage youngsters from the North-East to take up such adventurous activities and face greater challenges in life,” said Father Thomas, executive Director of DBI.
“We are very happy to be in such a beautiful part of India. Initially, we were a little nervous about traveling this far. But now we feel that we are blessed because the warmth and grand reception that we received from the people here was simply great.”- said one of the German team.
The 2nd National Conference on Education was organized by Don Bosco Institute (DBI), Guwahati, from October 8-10, 2008 with nationally and internationally renowned resource persons. The Conference was participated by one hundred and fifty (150) school principals from eighteen (18) states across the country. The topics dealt with were of vital importance as far as current thinking on education is concerned. This year's conference had as its theme, “Strategic Management Skills for Educational Leaders”.
The inaugural ceremony on 8th October was an integration of the rich culture of the Northeast India. The Chief Guest was Dr. Jayanta Madhab, renowned economist and Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister of Assam, who delivered the inaugural address and emphasized the purpose of education and the role of school principals.
The keynote address was offered by Dr. T.K. Oommen, Padmabhushan Awardee 2008. Speaking on 'Education: An Instrument of Social Change?', Prof. Oommen said that the ultimate objectives of education are: First, it should create an egalitarian society, for which providing equality of opportunity to all is a pre-requisite. Second, education should be identity affirming and not identity-shattering in its intent. An education which uproots human beings from their cultural milieu cannot be positive in its orientation. Third, education should provide the inner strength to question and fight against those institutions which perpetuate social injustice.
Fr. V. M. Thomas, Executive Director, DBI conducted sessions on the first and third day of the Conference and spoke on Transformational Leadership and Relationship Management.
Mr. Conrad A. Saldanha, Vice President, Training and Research, the Times Group, Mumbai, made a presentation on “Understanding and Leading Youth Today”.
Speaking on Body-Mind-Spirit Management, eminent psychiatrist Dr. Jayanta Das explained how one can make his or her school an ideal model of promoting mental health education.
Another noted resource person of the Conference, Prof. P. Basak, discussed on Leadership and Excellence in Education. Talking about what makes a good TEACHER, he said, a Teacher becomes a Good Teacher, when he/she acquires the 5 attributes: Knowledge of the Subject , Self knowledge and self regulation, Mastering Teaching & Communication Skills, Critical thinking and problem solving skills, Decision making and reflection.
Mr. Henri Tiphagne, Executive Director, People’s Watch & Member, NGO Core Group, National Human Rights Commission, addressed on ‘Human Rights Education in Schools’ and emphasized the importance of including Human Rights in school curriculum. Mr. Tridiv Hazarika, Deputy Manager, PR, OIL made a powerful presentation on ‘Managing the Stakeholders in Education’.
The three-day-long National Conference on Education concluded on 10th October with a solemn and graceful valedictory function with Dr. Walter Fernandes, SJ, Director, N. E. Social Research Centre, Guwahati as the Chief Guest.
Don Bosco Institute which is committed to teacher empowerment provides umpteen opportunities for the personal and professional development of teachers through a series of teacher development programmes. Among them are the regularly conducted in-service training programmes, subject oriented training programmes , special customized packages for schools and two certificate courses of three months' duration . As the Principals are the prime motivators and instructional leaders on whom rest the major responsibility of teacher empowerment, the Institute also conducts meetings and workshops exclusively for school Principals. The Department was able to train and interact with a total number of 970 Teachers and 250 School Principals during the year 2008.
Certificate Course for Teachers (CCT)
This is a three month-long intensive training programme aimed at giving an integrated training for the budding teachers of middle and high schools. The Syllabus takes into account the pedagogical and curricular needs of the trainees that will enable them to be efficient teachers and enlightened human beings with academic skills and strong moral value system, capable of being role models to the students. The institute has already completed 5 batches of CCT.
Certificate Course for Primary Teachers (CCPT)
The 9th batch of CCPT was successfully completed on 12th December. The main focus of CCPT training is to equip primary school teachers with knowledge and skills to meet the current learning needs of primary children both in the rural and urban set up. Greater emphasis is given to acquiring skills and instilling a passion for teaching. Therefore, the training provides a hands-on-experience for the trainees on how to make learning a pleasurable experience and the classroom a place of activity-based joyful learning.
The training modules include knowledge of early childhood education, qualities of teacher, classroom management techniques, lesson planning and practice teaching, project planning and preparation, art and craft, preparation of teaching learning materials, discussion on educational movies and exposure programmes.
The success of these courses consists in the fact that most of the trainees are inducted into various schools as teachers almost immediately after the training. Interested persons conduct campus interviews and make selection of the candidates. The schools which have employed the trainees express high level of satisfaction at their performance as they tend to exhibit greater commitment and the ability to motivate children for learning using the many skills and techniques they learnt during their training. The impressions shared by the trainees themselves at the end of the training prove their own level of satisfaction.
Commenting on the usefulness of the educational movies, Joyful from Meghalaya said, they were a help to understand better our own qualities as teachers and the importance of teacher-student relationship for effective teaching.
Principals Meet: In addition to the National Conference on education for the School Principals, the department conducted 4 City Principals Meet this year which evoked good response from the Principals of Guwahati city. Such meets are considered beneficial as it offers the Principals a substantial input on current issues related to education and educational leadership. It is also an opportune time for Principals to come together and share their success stories and their common concerns and interests.
The meet held on 20th September was addressed by Professor P. Basak, an internationally renowned engineer with expertise in management and leadership and Fr. V.M. Thomas, Executive Director. Prof. Basak spoke about the various parameters of education while Fr. V.M. Thomas analyzed the concept of Transformational leadership. The Last Principals’ meet of the year 2008 was held on 9th December. It was addressed by Dr. George Kallingal, an experienced Professor of Psychology from University of Guam, U.S.A. on the theme “Leading without Stress”. Fr. V.M. Thomas took a well appreciated session on stress management and said one cannot hold on to stress for too long. The sessions are normally interactive and end up with the experiences of the principals themselves. The Principals’ meets are effective means of establishing a positive climate of relationship between DBI which is committed to training teachers and the schools which actually impart education.
MODERN OFFICE MANAGEMENT 2008
Modern Office Management cum Secretarial Practice is a programme that has been developed to meet the ever increasing demand for trained manpower in managing modern offices. It provides a holistic view of the theoretical as well as practical aspects of modern office functioning. The main objective of this programme is to equip the trainees with necessary conceptual, managerial, entrepreneurial and analytical skills required for handling and maintaining modern offices. The year 2008 witnessed a stream of 50 youngsters completing their course successfully, and being placed into different office jobs.
SPOKEN ENGLISH
Don Bosco Institute offers regular training in Spoken English for students of vocational courses and a special package for students who desire to have fluency in English. This Programme is designed to improve the communicative and study skills of students in addition to building up their personality and level of confidence
Established with a mission to nurture dreams and shape lives, to awaken latent potentials and stoke the passion for excellence, DBI opens new horizons of opportunity for the young people of the region.
The futuristic concept and design, the state of the art facilities, high quality training and dedicated faculty synergize to make DBI a symbol of commitment and quality. Set on the misty green hills of Joypur, that embrace the mighty Bhramaputra the institute creates for students the right ambience for the adventure of learning, for quiet relaxation and creative self-discovery. It enables them along with their educators to be fully involved in ushering in a civilization of peace and solidarity.
The Life Skills & Personality Development programmes of DBI aim to provide the youth opportunities for participation, growth and empowerment, give them various life coping and employable skills, help them realize their own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to face the challenges and competitions of the modern world.
During the last four months the youth Care Department has come into contact with 317 youth from all parts of North east region including young people from interior regions of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. In addition to sessions on Career Guidance, Personality Development, Communication Skills, Leadership and Team Work, exposure tours to Shillong and around Guwahati were arranged for the outstation students.
SMILE ANNUAL EVENT 2008
NE IGSSS and Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati, jointly organized the “SMILE Annual Meet 2008” at Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati. With the theme: “Youth, Agents of Social Change” seventy three Young people from the different parts of North East India attended this Annual Event.
As expressed by the participants, “the SMILE Annual Event 2008 was a unique experience - very enriching, inspiring and informative. Thanks to NE IGSSS and Don Bosco Institute for their joint effort to make this event truly memorable.”
The resource persons included eminent trainers like Fr. VM Thomas, Executive Director of DBI, Mr.Pulak Bhattacharya, Lecturer, Guwahati College, Fr. Paul Olphindro, Director of North Eastern Regional Youth Commission, Mr. Nava Thakuria, renowned journalist, Mr. Gopen Moses, Regional Programme Advisor for Advocacy, UNAIDS/NACO, Mr Rahul Mahanta, Lecturer in Physics of Cotton College, Mr. Louis Aind, SP, and Mr Sushil Peter Lakra, SMILE Youth Coordinator, Assam.
The main topics handled during the sessions were:
Understanding the Young
Transformational Leadership Skills
Activities undertaken by the Professional Coaching Unit of Don Bosco Institute MAT/Bank P.O./ SSC/CDSE Coaching
The Second Batch of MAT/Bank P.O./SSC/CDSE Coaching of the year 2008 began on September 15, 2008 with 9 (nine) students from the nooks and corners of Northeast including Assam. This Coaching is of Two months duration with regular classes from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Classes are held 5 days a week (from Monday - Friday). Students are also provided with printed study material on every topic. Special sessions on Group-Discussion, Personality Development and Personal Interview are also part of this coaching programme. Library facility is available to the students from early morning to late evening. Magazines, periodicals and journals are also provided to the students to acquaint themselves with various other national & international topics. The Programme continued till November 26, 2008. Separate hostel facility is also provided to the participants of the coaching programme.
IAS Coaching
he professional Coaching department of DBI conducts a 4 month-long coaching for IAS Preliminary Examination starting from the month of October every year. New strategies have been developed for 2008-09 and regular 3-4 hours of classes are presently offered to the IAS aspirants. Apart from the regular classes on each and every topic of the General Studies Paper, Class Tests and Weekly mock tests are being conducted. The IAS test series conducted by the professional coaching unit are of very high standard as questions are set keeping in mind the actual examination pattern. One remarkable addition to the curriculum of IAS Coaching has been the live interaction the aspirants have with the visiting officers from the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussorie, from time to time. Free study materials are distributed among the students. Well-furnished accommodation has also been provided to the aspirants with a separate study hall. The advanced Study Centre of DBI is made available to the students with additional reading hours and latest journals, periodicals, newspapers and exhaustive study materials. This Coaching Programme will continue till March 2009.
With a vision of empowering the youth of the resource-rich, North Eastern region by honing their human and managerial skills, and thereby creating a competent resource pool, Don Bosco Institute (DBI) launched Diploma in Finance and Accounting Management (DFAM), an eight months course for graduate students in May 2008. An industrial visit and a two week long internship were the added attractions of the course, enabling the students to have hands-on-experience with the working conditions and requirements. We are happy to affirm that six of the students have already been inducted as staff trainees and assistants by agencies and associations.
Ever on the search for imparting maximum skills to students, the vocational department began an upgraded certificate course in DTP, referred to as the A level. This course is meant for those who have already completed the basic three month long DTP course and have attained a high degree of proficiency. The highlights of the course are web-designing, still and video montage, and the latest in DTP skills and programmes. A total of 10 students were enrolled for this three month long certificate course, the first batch beginning their course on 1st October 2008. Their first video montage was exhibited to the other students on the 29th of November, to the satisfaction and joy of all concerned.
The first batch of students enrolled in the Diploma in Electronics and Servicing Engineering, a year long course including Basic Electronics and Radio/TV repairing, passed out at the end of June this year. It is to the credit of the faculty Mr. Gautam Das that the five students were inducted by a local sales and service agency as trainees cum assistants.
Identity, a call centre solution provider, based in the city of Guwahati, conducted a campus interview for our students. It was a first for the majority of them, getting to know the requirements of call centres and BPO, as also the process of selection and a definitive job appointment. Twenty students were chosen for training and placement, both in local and international BPO's. However, other factors came in the way of their realizing the project. A second campus interview was held on 2nd December, offering the outgoing students the opportunity to get suitable placements. Private initiatives by members of the staff have enabled about 10 of our students to be absorbed by associations and NGO’s. Special credit goes to Sr. Lolia for such an effort in the placement of these students.
Nothing can better emphasize the need for change. Every organization needs to change. To implement successful change, as a LEADER, one needs an overall leadership force that is greater than the combined force of resistance. One needs to use one's leadership skills to address the resistance.
Don Bosco Institute has been relentlessly making an effort to develop a planned approach to bring changes in an organization through various management programmes for the administrators of Government, non- government sectors, school administrators and teachers. The aim of this programme is to maximize the collective benefits for all people involved in the change with the following objectives:
Awareness of why the change is needed
Desire to support and participate in the change
Knowledge of how to change
Ability to implement new skills and behaviors
Fr. VM Thomas, the Executive Director of DBI believes that great leaders transform cultures and stimulate breakthroughs. He has been extensively involved in bringing about changes in the system of administration through a range of management programmes reaching out to all sections of professionals engaged in diverse fields. He is joined by Prof. Punyabrata Basak, Ford Fellow, for some of the trainings and together they make a perfect, efficient and well appreciated team for conducting the Management Development Programmes.
DBYES is involved in a wide variety of programmes, and activities that contribute to building the capacity of Rural Youth to contribute effectively to sustainable development which includes assisting youth to strengthen and expand existing programmes and create new ones that empower young people to become self-reliant. DBYES has established Bosco Youth Development Centres at Tangla in Assam and Shillong in Meghalaya to provide facilities for underprivileged youth in different areas of our region. These centres target especially rural young people with programmes in basic literacy skills, intensive skills training in Carpentry, Tailoring, Embroidery, weaving, Poultry, Husbandry, formation of Self Help Group, etc. and other programmes like Capacity Building Programmes, Rural Youth Leadership Development Programme and Integrated Rural Youth Development programme. The centres are working to develop a community-based programme that will provide training, education and income-generating opportunities to dropout youth. Through these training programmes, large number of rural youth will be able to make an economically rewarding and satisfying life for themselves and their families.
Shillong Branch
Leadership Training Programme
The VHAM centre for HIV and Alcoholism Treatment together with DBYES Shillong organized a Leadership Training Programme at MSNP, Lower Lauchiemere, Shillong on November 19 , 2008 for young people who have newly formed the network to help the HIV affected people. Remigius Pyngrope from DBYES animated the initial sessions on Learning to lead, focusing on quality and leadership potential assessment. Seven young people participated in the programme. Mr. Banjop, the Coordinator of programme VHAM, who presided over the concluding function exhorted the participants to work with dedication for the cause of the team and for the benefit of others. Follow up training will be done in December.
Job Orientation Programme for Anganwadi Workers
The office of the chief Instructor Anganwadi Training centre organized a job training course for Anganwadi workers of different ICDS project at the Anganwadi Training centre Shillong. Remigius Pyngrope from DBYES Shillong, as one of the regular visiting resource persons, conducted one day animation on the 6th November, 2008. Twenty women participated in the programme. The objective of the training was to upgrade the Anganwadi workers working in the field in different project areas. It is expected that as a result of the training the participants will render better service and support particularly to the children and the mothers.
Children's Day: DBYES, Shilling celebrated the children’s day on 14 November, 2008 and made it a special day for the school children of RCLP School Upper Shillong by observing it as sports cum entertainment day. Present on the occasion were the local headman, DBYES staff members, the president of the women’s organization of Upper Shillong, the teachers and the parents of the children. The aim of the celebration was to promote the talents of the children.The programme concluded with the prize distribution and lunch to all the children.
Assam Branch, Tangla
Youth day celebration: YDC, Tangla, celebrated the Annual Youth day at Don Bosco Tangla on 5th November 2008. The participants numbered 350 including youth from different Youth groups, students from schools and colleges in and around Tangla. During the programme, three main topics were discussed including Role of Youth in the society, youth and peace, and Team work. The resource persons were Fr. Rajendra, Mr. Sunil and Prof. Kashap Dutta, ex-principal Tangla College.
Karma Riders Programme: On the 5th and 6th November 2008, the German Karma Riders visited Tangla, Bhooteachang, Udalguri, Rowta, Dhekiajuli and Tezpur. They were accorded a warm welcome at various points with cultural items.
Children's day celebration: On 14th November 2008, BYDC Bhooteachang organized Children’s day for the local children. 200 poor children from the locality participated and enjoyed the day with sports and other cultural events.
The programme concluded with a special tea being served to the children.
Village Leaders’ Motivation Programme: On 23 November 2008, BYDC organized a motivation programme for the village leaders. Around 700 people participated in the programme. The objective of the programme was to bring unity among the youth, men and women for the development of the society.
Tailoring course: The six month-long tailoring course is in full swing at BYDC Bhooteachang with 21 trainees learning the basic skills on cutting, measurement, stitching, and embroidery. Classes on English, Maths, GK, Moral values, discipline, and kitchen gardening are part of the training.
Similar youth developmental activities were also undertaken at Doomni under the Tangla branch.
Success story: The past tailoring trainees of Bhooteachang Mr. Papu Tirkey, and Ms. Shila of Nawgoan district from Sonajuri village have started a tailoring shop in their locality. The business is running well and they are earning Rs 200 - 300 per day.
Graduation day
It is a noteworthy achievement of BBC that it has written another success story by imparting handloom(machine loom) training to 8 rural girls who completed the four months’ training in mugha-pat weaving under the professional guidance of Shri. Bongshiram Das. The graduation day of the 1st Batch of Mugha-pat weaving was held on 23rd Sept 2008 at Bosco Barefoot College, made solemn by a colorful programme by BBC trainees. Fr. K.K Jose sdb, Rector and Parish Priest of the Boko Parish, was the chief guest. Sr. Justina Basumatary, programme coordinator, congratulated and thanked the trainees for the sincere participation in the training. The trainees expressed appreciation towards Rev. Fr. V.M. Thomas sdb, Executive Director, DBI for giving them this unique opportunity. “I feel confident now to start off my own weaving center in my village. I am grateful towards BBC for the training that I received” - said Ajanta Boro.
Exposure Tour: On 21st Sept., after completing their four month course the 1st batch of mugha path weaving students had an exposure tour to Sualkuchi (Ghy) together with the resource person Shri. Bongsiram Das and BBC in-charge Mr. Andrew Marak. The visit to Sualkuchi gave the students new experience and knowledge.
Mushroom Cultivation: Training on extensive mushroom cultivation was undertaken at BBC for the trainees from 18th to 22nd Nov. This training was carried out by Mr. Johnstar Sangma and Manmashi Kandulna with the aim of making them realize that even with small undertakings one can earn a handsome amount to make oneself self-sufficient.
Bamboo Craft Production Unit Established
Don Bosco Institute in collaboration with FVTRS organized a three month's training for 21 rural youth on Cane and Bamboo technology. The training was conducted partly at the CBTC centre Guwahati and partly at BBC itself. With the help of 5 successful youth from the Boko area, Bosco Barefoot College, Boko has initiated the first batch of bamboo craft production unit. The trainees are already producing beautiful bamboo items like table lampshade, tamul bata, saloni, fishing net, cup, tray, murah, hand fan etc. which are drawi ng the attention of customers.
At present 24 students from different parts of Assam are undergoing training in tailoring, handloom, handicraft, kitchen gardening, piggery, and poultry at BBC. Exposure trip to Shillong, District Youth Fest and Exhibition are part of the programmes. They made an exposure trip to Guwahati on December 8.
The First Bongaigaon District Youth Fest 2008 “A festival to celebrate the spirit of youth” was organized by Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati in collaboration with District Administration, Bongaigaon on 14th October, 2008 at the District Library. The programme was coordinated by Sr. Justina Basumatary msmhc and Mr. Deba Dutta from the DBI Office. The programme turned out to be a great success.
The District Youth Fest Programme offered opportunities to the youth to develop and showcase their talents and potentials. It provided a common platform for youth from rural as well as urban areas to display their talents, explore creativity and leadership qualities. Besides, there were inter school competitions like on-the- Spot Painting competition Talents Display, Fancy Dress, Cultural Dance, etc. The winners were given trophies, certificates & attractive prizes on that auspicious occasion of Youth Fest and cultural evening on 14 October. The prizes were delivered by Chief Guest Rt. Rev. Bishop Thomas Pullopillil, Bishop of Bongaigaon, guest of honor Dr.Martin Kasper, Childaid network managing Director and Fr. V. M. Thomas sdb, Executive Director, DBI. Twenty eight schools participated in different competitions. The presence of the ‘GERMAN KARMARIDERS’ who joined the cultural programme in the evening added color to the programme.
