As of today, statistically more that 70% of the children in India drop out of school. This vast ocean of population, a non-productive group adding year by year retards the progress of the country. Very little has been done to empower this group (if not with education) at least with a skill for income generation and survival.

The Salesians at Don Bosco Self Employment Research Institute, have made a preferential option for these less-privileged youth of the Society and have dedicated DB SERI specifically to them.

BEGININGS

The Institute started in 1978 in hired premises with 14 vagrant boys, was later shifted to the present permanent site, at Mirpara, Liluah, in 1990. Today 200 boys and girls between the age of 15 and 25 are on its rolls. With the generous help of many benefactors and well wishers, new infra-structural facilities are nearing completion. By May this year, we would be providing training to 500 out of school youth.

At the end of a one-year training in Entreprenuership development most of the trainees are motivated to launch out into a self-employment project.

Today we train youth in many income generating trades and many more new trades to cater to more youth are in the offing.

In our effort to empower women we are offering non-traditional income generating trades to girls as well. Many of our trained women folk have set up small enterprises, there by becoming independent and helping the family in a tangible manner.

RECOGNITION

We work in close collaboration with the Banking system and they trust us. The Institute does not give any guarantee for the loan but assures that the equipments are retained in the Institute's premises and initiates productive work for the entrepenuers. We have a well set up consultancy sell in order to follow up the passed out trainees and to help them in their placement and also to establish small scale industry. The Institute is recognized by the ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India and ministry of Minicipal Affairs Government of West Bengal.

Following is an extract from a letter from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Education, Government of India, concerning their impression about this Institute:

• "The above organization is working in the field of non-formal vocational scheme and being assisted under the centrally sponsored scheme of Assistance to Voluntary Organization of the Department. The above organization is known in the field and Capable of providing training to resource persons at National and International level."

The joint Secretary, Department of Culture, Government of India wrote on behalf of The Parliamentary standing committee that visited this Institution in October, 1996:

• "The members are very much impressed with your dedication and work and repeatedly stated that this is how an ideal NGO should function."

SUCCESSES

Dozens of youngsters who have shifted out the machines to other premises are today proud owners of small-scale industrial units and are employing other jobless people as well.

Our trainees come from very poor families. They are unable to meet the training expenses. We are offering them a training free of cost. However once a candidate becomes productive with his own machine, they have to pay 25% if their income towards the institute as Service charges. This gives a small income to the Institution as well.

Funds from benefactors and other collaborators help maintain and expand the infrastructural and other facilities at the Institute. With all these generous people behind us, may we continue to work for the unemployed youth of the country, and be an example for all, that dreams do come true, if we have the will within us.

Amen.