Event attended by 457 youth from 16 schools across country

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run St. Xavier’s Secondary High School, located in Pathaliaghat, Tripura, India, has won third prize in the category of female brass bands during a national competition. The competition was held at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi in January. The jury was composed of members of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The event was attended by 457 youth from 16 schools across India.

The school band is comprised of 25 girls between the ages of 11-17 from various villages in Tripura. The group, formed just eight months ago, has shown exceptional talent while improving their skills through hard work and dedication.

A Salesian said, “This is a wonderful accomplishment in such a short time for the young girls that are part of the brass band. Not only to be able to come together and play but to win a national competition so soon after its formation. We congratulate them for their hard work, talent and accomplishment.”

The school is led by Father Babu, and it has four teachers and 25 girls. The band won previous competitions at the local and regional level to advance to the national competition in New Delhi.

“The young girls in the band have shown great teamwork and talent to advance as far as they did,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Music education is a part of Salesian curriculum. Through music education, students not only learn to play an instrument but the lessons taught help them in working collaboratively, developing a talent and having an appreciation of the arts.”

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – India – The St Xavier School band on the podium of the national competition for school bands

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India