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INDIA: Seventy-five students graduate with degrees in printing technology from the Salesian Institute of Graphic Arts

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Institute of Graphic Arts in Chennai, India, has partnered with the Madras Printers and Lithographers Association, the first association of printers in South India founded in 1952. The collaboration is bringing graphic arts education and on-the-job training to poor youth. This year, 75 students graduated from the Salesian Institute with degrees in printing technology. The graduation was held at the Don Bosco Kilpauk campus on Mar. 2.

“Printing is growing and attracting other disciplines,” says Father PT Joseph, principal of the Salesian Institute of Graphic Arts. “Electronic printing and 3D printing will change the dynamics of electronic and manufacturing business in the world.”

The school offers a three-year course with both a formal and non-formal education track. The non-formal track includes one year of on-the-job training in the industry in addition to classroom learning. The Salesian Institute also offers a one-year full-time course aimed at students who are already studying visual communications, fine arts or other similar college level programs.

“There is a huge skills gap in India and the need for more youth to be trained in industry specific work,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This partnership between the Salesian Institute and the Association is meant to address the rise in youth unemployment while providing a skilled employable workforce. Students will now have access to training and education that will lead directly to long-term stable employment.”

Salesian programs across India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued by youth in India. The country, which is home to 1.34 billion people (18 percent of the world’s population), will have overtaken China as the world’s most populous country by 2024, according to the World Economic Forum. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30 percent of this population without employment, education or training.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22 percent of the country lives in poverty. About 31 percent of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a new report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of 10 indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living.

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Sources:

Don Bosco India – SIGA and MPLA Collaborate to Enrich Print Industry

World Bank – India