History
The project began with the aim of helping school dropouts of the coastal areas particularly from our project at Thope. The carpentry and welding sections started in 1984.
To cater to more children and to offer more possibilities, the community decided to start different courses. In accordance with this, computer training as well as facilities for training in Electrical and electronic trades were added. A driving school was started to impart training in two, three and four wheeler driving.
Tsunami Relief
Most of our beneficiaries come from the fishing community. For the next year the project has decided to increase the intake into the boarding programme so that the chidren from affected families can get skill training.
Activities
a. Technical training
We impart technical education in carpentry, computer, driving, electrical and electronics. There are 80 students (55 boys and 25 girls) undergoing training. These courses are recognised by the National Institute of Open Schooling, Government of India.
b. Education Promotion
The poor and eligible students of the neighbourhood are given educational help through sponsorship. These students receive, financial, material, psychological, recreational, moral and cultural support. Now there are 32 children (15 boys and 17 girls) who benefit from this programme.
c. Boarding
The boarding caters to 45 poor students belonging to the families of fishermen from coastal areas. This enables them to have access to the vocational training programme of the project. This also provides them the opportunity for their growth and development.
d. Youth Centre
The Youth centre has a goal of directing and guiding the local youth and helping them to grow and mature as good citizens. It provides facilities for games and recreation. There are camps, seminars, talks, classes, and discussions on various topics of social interest organised at regular periods. 60 youth frequent the youth centre now.
e. College: We have been affiliated to MG University, Kottayam, as an off campus centre. At present, we have graduation courses in BBA and BCom with computer and two Post Graduation courses in MBA and MA (Sociology).
f. Other Programmes: With the assistance of the Salesian collaborators the project reaches out to the families in the neighbourhood. During summer vacation camps are conducted for school going children. Personality development programs are also organised during these camps.
Address
Don Bosco
Kottiyam, Umayanalloor P. O.
Kollam – 691 589
Kerala
Phone : (0474) 253 01 56; 253 20 90, 253 66 20
Email : dbkty@md5.vsnl.net.in