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Don Bosco Tech Latabari: A Beacon of Hope in West Bengal
In the heart of India’s marginalized communities, where dreams often fade under the weight of poverty and unemployment, Don Bosco Tech emerges as a beacon of hope. Like pilgrims on a journey, young men and women step into these skill training centers, carrying aspirations for a better life. Here, they are not just trained but empowered—equipped with the confidence and skills to carve out a dignified future.
With a presence spanning 29 states, Don Bosco Tech operates as a nationwide network of training centers dedicated to uplifting youth aged 18–30. In West Bengal alone, 42 centers serve as gateways to new opportunities. Among them, the Latabari center, founded in 2015 under the guidance of Sr. Velangani and now led by Sr. Viviana Varakil, has been instrumental in transforming lives through skill-based education.
Skill Training that Builds Dignity and Livelihood
At Latabari, the path to empowerment takes shape through two key training programs:
- Food and Beverage (F&B) Service Training: Prepares students for employment in the hospitality sector.
- General Duty Assistant (GDA) Program: Trains students to work as home nurses and caregivers, equipping them with the knowledge and empathy to serve with professionalism in hospitals or private homes.
These intensive three-month courses offer more than technical training; they are stepping stones to self-reliance. By March 2022, over 2,000 students had completed their training, with many securing stable employment.
Holistic Development Beyond Skills
At Don Bosco Tech Latabari, the journey doesn’t stop with technical knowledge. The center embraces a holistic approach, recognizing that personal transformation is essential for long-term success.
Students are nurtured in an environment that fosters confidence, adaptability, and social awareness. Beyond technical education, they engage in activities that refine their personalities and strengthen their resilience:
- Weekly Competitions: In sports, food plating, and quizzes enhance teamwork, public speaking, and self-confidence.
- Workshops & Festivals: Encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and engage in creative collaboration.
- Peer Interactions: Develop communication and leadership abilities organically.
These moments of camaraderie and learning, shape them into well-rounded individuals, ready to face life’s challenges with courage.
Creating Socially Responsible Citizens
True to the vision of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate and Don Bosco’s legacy, the Latabari center emphasizes social responsibility alongside professional readiness. The center regularly organizes awareness programs on pressing social issues such as child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and the responsible use of mass media. Sessions on health concerns, including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes, equip students with the knowledge to make informed choices and contribute to their communities’ well-being.
Going the Extra Mile: Soft Skills and Moral Education
Recognizing the importance of comprehensive learning, Latabari extends its support beyond domain-specific training. Basic English communication, computer literacy, and soft skills programs enhance employability. Motivational and moral sessions instill perseverance and ethical values, ensuring that students enter the workforce not just as skilled professionals but as individuals with integrity.
A Community of Celebration and Belonging
Cultural and religious celebrations, including Christmas, Diwali, and Don Bosco Day, foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. These moments of joy remind students that they are part of a larger family, walking together toward a hopeful future.
Impact in 2024: Continuing the Mission of Empowerment
In 2024, Latabari continued its mission, guiding three batches in both F&B and GDA toward successful employment. Every graduate who secures a job carries forward the torch of hope—not just for themselves, but for their families and communities. Their journey is a testament to the unwavering spirit of Don Bosco Tech—a pilgrimage of hope that turns aspirations into achievements, one life at a time.
Sr. Viviana Varakil, Siliguri
