Jeffery Fernandes sdb
CHINCHWAD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2008: Don Bosco Vocational Training Campus, Chinchwad, literally experienced ‘showers of blessings’ this Sunday morning as three new sections were blessed and inaugurated in the presence of several dignitaries, Salesians, well wishers, and the students and staff of the institution. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Ms. Roswitha Maus, Projects Manager of Jugend Dritte Welt, Germany. The inaugural programme began at 11.30 am with Fr. Corlis Gonsalves, Director, welcoming the guest and expressing his thanks to God for all His blessings. “God has kept blessing us” he said, “and with His blessings we keep marching ahead in the service of poor and disadvantaged youngsters”. The solemn blessing ceremony then got underway. The Multi Skills Training Block was blessed by Fr. Maria Arokiam, Regional Councillor for South Asia, the Admin Block by Bishop Valerian D’Souza of Pune, and the Two Wheeler Training Block by Fr. Michael Fernandes, Provincial. After each of the blessings, the respective section was inaugurated and declared open by Ms. Roswitha Maus. Present for the occasion was a high profile team from Lamprell, Dubai, comprising Mr. Ed Lancaster, Head of H.R; Mr. Jim Henderson, Senior Training Manager; Mr. Garry Scott’ Senior Safety Manager; and Mr. Tom Sellars, Lamprell Manager in India. Also present was Mr. Louis Pereira, Senior Vice President of Mahindra & Mahindra. Both companies, Lamprell and Mahindra, are closely associated with the training programmes offered here. After the blessings and inauguration, there was a felicitation programme to thank all the sponsors and supporters of this training institute. Special thanks went to the German Ministry for Development Cooperation, who, in collaboration with Jugend Dritte Welt, have funded these three new sections.