Training supports long-term success of technical and vocational education

(MissionNewswire) Teach for Nepal held a five-day training program called “Learning Camp” at Don Bosco Institute Thecho in Kathmandu to help end education inequality. This is the 10th anniversary of the camp. The group is working with students to provide two-year teaching fellowships at government schools when they graduate. The camp was organized for 31 students from four districts of Nepal and hosted by 10 trainers.

During the camp, students are briefed about the importance of technical education and given an orientation about technical studies. Brother Philip, director of the Don Bosco Institute, accompanied by Deepak Neupane, a trainer, gave them a guided tour through the classrooms and labs.

Participants stated the training was a good experience. Nishta Neupane said she found the training to be a good confidence-building exercise. Puja Adhikary noted that the live-in experience gave them an opportunity to learn about cooperation and team building.

“Teacher training like this is important for the long-term success of technical and vocational education,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Through technical schools, Salesians across Nepal are helping youth support themselves and their families. Having highly qualified teachers improves the level of education provided.”

Nepal is among the least developed countries in the world, with about one-quarter of its population living below the poverty line. Salesian missionaries are still hard at work with long-term reconstruction efforts after a devastating 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, with a second striking on May 12, 2015.

More than 8,000 people died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and their aftermath. Forty of Nepal’s 75 districts were affected, 16 of them severely, with homes, schools, buildings, cattle, fields ready for harvest and other property destroyed. More than 500,000 people were displaced and in need of shelter and other assistance. The United Nations reported that more than 1,300 schools were destroyed during the earthquakes.

The construction of schools that can withstand earthquakes and provide access to education for the youngest and most vulnerable children is the daily commitment of Salesian missionaries in the country. The goal is to help equip youth to have the education and skills necessary to change their lives and become agents of development.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Nepal – 10th anniversary of “Learning Camp” of Teach For Nepal (TFN) hosted at “Don Bosco Thecho” reveals a band of talented youngsters

Nepal Don Bosco Society Facebook

Salesian Missions – Nepal