Often dreaded by children, parent-teacher meeting (PTM) is an effective way for parents and teachers to interact and discuss their child's progress. Parents, on the other hand, can play an active role in their child's education and can further encourage and influence their child to do well in school. With a view in mind, a parent-teacher meeting was held on March 3, 2020, which lasted for about two hours in Don Bosco Tech Society (Khorhatoli) for ongoing Industrial Sewing Machine Operator (ISMO) domain of Accenture Phase 10, B3. There were fifteen parents, in all, present for the meeting. During the meeting, Fr. Noble George (Center Head), Mr. Wakaish Alam (State Coordinator), and the Don Bosco Tech staff members actively interacted with each parent, in a group and one to one.

The meeting started with a welcome speech delivered by Ms. Saroj Kandulna (Center Coordinator) which followed the welcome song mesmerized by ISMO trainees. Ms. Saroj explained the entire training process of Don Bosco Tech to the parents present on the occasion. To encourage and to inform, both parent as well as their ward, she announced the names of the trainees who fared well in the class and regular for the training. She also spoke about the importance of job placement of the trainees and requested the parents to support them in their future endeavors.

January, is the month dedicated to St. John Bosco, there were competitions conducted for the trainees based on Don Bosco. For this, the winners were given away prizes and certificates by Br. Robin (Regent). It was a proud moment for those parents’ ward being honored. Trainees of this center bagged the second prize, held at the state level, for producing a short film on the life of St. John Bosco. 

The purpose of giving them the certificates and prizes is to encourage them for the training and bring out their talents at its best. We also believe that parents and the trainees are the best source of mobilization for prospective trainees.

Thereafter, Fr. Noble took his turn to encourage both parents, as well as trainees, said, “Unless you (parents) cooperate with us we cannot continue the training here. You need to attend the PTM whenever called door at the center so that you understand the importance of training, its process, and placement.” 

Parents actively participated in the meeting asking many questions regarding the impact of the training and placement. Their doubts were clarified and whims and fancies were removed. 

While some parents thanked the entire staff, others mentioned that their children are serious have become responsible for their life. They are learning to manage time fruitfully and have shown sizable changes in their behavior. They do have appreciated the training center vehemently for the uncompromised demand for discipline.

In the end, the parents were fortunate to have seen ISMO B3 trainees exhibited their learnings, with a clear-cut message ‘waste is not wasted’, by weaving fashionable garments out of wasted pieces of clothes. It earned admiration and appreciation for their creative ideas.

It was a fruitful day for the parents, trainees, and staff. Before leaving the training center all of them had a cup of tea.