Lyra Pinto MUMBAI, DECEMBER 19, 2008: The fourth batch of the Bosco PLUS skills training programme concluded at Don Bosco Matunga on December 15, 2008, with 30 youth successfully completing the course. From those who had comp
leted their 11th standard to students who had dropped out during their undergraduate studies, these young people from the slums of Mumbai were eager to learn the skills that will enable them to secure decent employment. Over a period of six weeks from November 1 to December 15, the students acquired basic computer skills and learned to communicate confidently in English. Through a life skills curriculum that included sessions on time and conflict management, group work and problem solving, they began to understand how to cope with the demands of a work environment. Finally, through classroom 
training as well as mock interviews, they prepared themselves to face interviews with confidence. At present, most of these students have already been placed in jobs as telemarketers and retail salespersons. A valedictory function to formally mark the end of the course was held on December 18. Fr. Edwin D’Souza, who presented the students with their certificates, encouraged them to make the most of what they have learned and to build their careers one step at a time. In return, the students expressed their enthusiasm at beginning their new jobs and their determination to sharpen their skills at every opportunity.