In a significant gathering of Principals from various Don Bosco Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), the Don Bosco Skill Mission in Bangalore hosted a two-day meeting on January 21-22, 2024. The primary focus of the meeting was to deliberate on the current state of skill training within the institutions, specifically addressing the quality and how it can be elevated to better serve the needs of the disadvantaged youth.

The meeting witnessed robust discussions on the challenges faced by the institutions, as well as the sharing of best practices and innovative solutions. Group discussions were a pivotal part of the agenda, with a dedicated emphasis on identifying necessary changes to enhance the overall quality of education provided by Don Bosco Institutions.

Several effective strategies were deliberated upon, including the incorporation of modern teaching methodologies, upgradation of infrastructure, and continuous professional development for instructors. The consensus among the Principals was on the imperative need for a standardized approach across all Don Bosco ITIs, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality learning experience for the youth enrolled in these skill training programs. It was also decided to work on a quality manual for all formal TVET centers and a task force will take this activity forward to have the draft ready by July 2024.

The meeting also shed light on the understanding of a TVET center from the the Youth Ministry perspective and the understanading of the policy document of the Salessian Congregation on  Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers. The perspective shared by the Salesian congregation emphasized the pivotal role that Don Bosco Institutions play in shaping the future of the youth, underscoring the importance of accompanying them as we align skill training programs with the evolving demands of the job market.

As a result of the deliberations, a comprehensive action plan is being formulated to address the identified challenges and implement the recommended strategies. The commitment of the Don Bosco Institutions to consistently improve the quality of skill training for disadvantaged youth was reaffirmed during the meeting.

The Don Bosco ITI Principals meeting proved to be a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and charting a course towards enhancing the quality of skill training programs. The commitment to providing meaningful and impactful skill training for the disadvantaged youth remains at the forefront of Don Bosco Institutions' mission.