(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical School Krishnagar launched an ambitious “Go Green” project planting 12,000 high yielding timber saplings. The project consisted of planting saplings of high quality timber using local varieties of trees like Mahagani, Akashmuni, Teak, and Kodam. The school was eager to become part of India‘s Go Green movement while also using the trees to prevent its property from being encroached upon.

“Besides providing green cover to the barren areas of our farm, we hope to provide employment to people as well as set a model for others to emulate,” says Father Thomas Kayyalackal, rector of Don Bosco Youth Center Krishnagar. “Eventually we hope to gain economic benefits by having timber on hand for our carpentry training school as well as receive financial support for the institution.”

The goal is to have at least 80 people involved in the project–all former students, teachers and other collaborators at the school. Government officials, particularly the District Commissioner and the Sub Divisional Officer, as well as officials of the forest department, the police, schools and religious communities around the Salesian Province of Kolkata, have shown considerable interest in the novel project.

“This is indeed a praiseworthy initiative by Don Bosco Krishnagar and an example to be emulated,” said Mr. Aboni Joardar, a local member of the Legislative Assembly, while speaking at the inaugural function, “It is hoped that more and more people realize the necessity of such initiatives and carry such projects forward.”

Building the skills of India’s rapidly rising workforce is a key focus for reducing poverty, according to the World Bank. Nearly 44 percent of India’s work force is illiterate and only 17 percent has secondary schooling. Don Bosco Technical School Krishnagar provides youth with employable skills helping to increase their knowledge and give them the hands-on tools to find good jobs and a path out of poverty.

Youth are trained in their interest areas, taking into consideration their unique capacities, skills and talents. Choices include welding, machinery, motor vehicle services, carpentry, computers, tailoring and knitting, among others.

Don Bosco Technical School also offers an agriculture program where students learn techniques and methods of farming, helping them to achieve self-sufficiency and contribute to a self-sustaining society.

“The skills learned at Don Bosco Technical School help the students find a way to earn a living and break the cycle of poverty, and the students, in turn, give back to their families and their communities,” adds Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions – the U.S. arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

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Sources:

ANS – India – The “Go Green” Project takes off

Don Bosco Technical School – Website

World Bank – India