Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guwahati (Fides Service) - A non confessional Non Governmental Organisation “Skills for Progress” (SKIP) has asked a Catholic missionary to be its new director. The Missionary chosen by the NGO, which promotes technical training for young people and updating for people already employed, is Salesian Father Paul Kuttala, presently headmaster of the “Don Bosco Technical School” in Shillong, a pioneer institute in north east India in providing technical formation for young people in various fields including farming, crafts-work and business.
SKIP, based in Bangalore with offices all over the country, was started in 1968 and today it is a federation of more than 200 associations. Besides assisting young people it co-ordinates the work of many institutes of formation and training all over India. In recent years SKIP has concentrated its efforts in central and north east India where unemployment is high and opportunities for training are scarce.
By tradition, education and training young people is part of the Salesian mission. In fact Salesians are known for their schools, training centres and youth centres throughout India. The fact that Father Kuttala has been asked to head SKIP is a demonstration of the nation’s appreciation for this service to young people of all creeds, social classes and races. With a good education and/or technical training, young Indians are more likely to find a job and be able to help support their families.
(PA) (Fides Service 6/5/2004 lines 25 words 245)
