Superior General of SJ Fr Arturo Sosa Praises Girl Students of St Aloysius ITI
Superior General of SJ Fr Arturo Sosa Praises Girl Students of ‘Sani-Tech’ Course of St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute (ITI) during his maiden visit to the Institute on Thursday, 1 March 2018.
Mangaluru: The presence of Fr Arturo Sosa- the Superior General of the Jesuits amidst them was a surprise and a matter of joy for the bevy of girl students of ‘Sani-Tech’ course at St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute (ITI), while they were busy under training in the Plumbing workshop, when he made his maiden visit to their institute. The girl students were beaming with joy and pride when the Superior General complimented their dedication and enthusiasm in the plumbing field, which is mostly a “Man’s Job”? Kudos girls, you deserve it!
Father Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus who was on a visit to the “Rome of the East “(Mangaluru) from Rome, visited St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute on 1st March 2018. He was given a grand and warm welcome by students and the staff along with the school band. Female students of the institution gave a traditional welcome by doing ‘Aarti’ and placing ‘Kunkum’ on his forehead, and also on the foreheads of the Regional Assistants of South Asia namely- Fr Victor Assouad Sj (Syria0; Fr Vernon D’Cunha (Mumbai); and Fr Lisbert D’souza Sj (Mumbai). Director of the institution Rev Fr Eric Mathias SJ along with the Principal Vincent Mendonsa handed over flower bouquets and gave a hearty welcome to all these dignitaries.
The institution premise was decorated with traditional Rangoli and colourful decorations. The Father General visited the workshops of various trades in the institution. During his visit, girl students of the ‘Sani-tech’ course were under training in the Plumber workshop. This course is specially designed for women and is run under the tie-up programme with M/s Jaquar, a renowned manufacturer of bathroom and sanitary fittings. This initiative was very much appreciated by the General. He blessed all the students and then joined for a group photo with the staff members. He expressed his appreciation about the quality of education given in the institution.
These days Being a Girl/Lady/woman means standing up for themselves and fighting for their rights of me and those around them; That even though people may judge them, they are able to love themselves and I know that they are powerful and strong; Means accepting themselves and all their flaws; Means that that can be powerful and kind at the same time; Means they don’t have to define themselves; Means that they have an entire world full of sisters; Means they are never alone: And for that matter SAITI has done something extra special for being Ladies, by introducing Sani Tech Course exclusively for the Ladies.
In his address to the students, the Superior General had high praises for the Institute saying that he has never seen such a systematic, well disciplined and Advanced Industrial training institute, and commending the girl students he said, “This is what you call Women Empowerment. There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women. Women’s empowerment is intertwined with respect for human rights. And I am glad that St Aloysius ITI has given an opportunity to the girls to learn something new which was always learned by boys. It is also nice to note that SAITI is helping youngsters from all walks of life, irrespective of caste or creed, rich or poor. Nice to see students from the lower community showing interests to come up in their lives. You are all doing a good job – keep up the good work, study hard, get trained well, and you will have a prospective future in this field”.
Fr Arturo Sj further said, “Plumbing job is not a dirty job, it is a very dignified job. I am sure these ladies students will do good, and exit out of this institution as professional plumbers, and serve the world. As they say, Women, like men, should try to do the impossible. And when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others. A woman must not accept; she must challenge. She must not be awed by that which has been built up around her; she must reverence that woman in her which struggles for expression. The empowered woman is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description. You are the real architects of the society. We need women like you at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamics, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored. Women are leaders everywhere you look — from the CEO who runs a Fortune 500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her household. I am sure that one day you will be experienced and qualified lady plumbers, and you never know, you may own or head a big plumbing firm. Best of luck- you girls are doing a great job.”
Fr Eric Mathias Sj thanked Fr Arturo Sj and his Regional Assistants for visiting the Institute and spending time with the staff and students- “With the gracious presence of our beloved Superior General of Jesuits amidst us, this will be a great day of memory in the hearts of all of us at St Aloysius ITI,” acknowledged Fr Eric.
About St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute (SAITI):
St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute (SAITI)-Mangaluru, a unit of St Aloysius Institutions run by the Jesuit Priests ( Society of Jesus Congregation) having a legacy of hundred and thirty-one years of service, was established in 1981. SAITI is an institution with a distinctive academic profile, blending itself in commitment to rural ethos and modern spirit is preparing the rural youth for the modern challenges of today. It’s a giant step towards empowering rural youth by training them with job oriented trades. In Conformity with the regulation of the Directorate General of Employment and training (D.G.E.T) under the ministry of labour, St Aloysius ITI is training the students in the technical field ever since it started in 1981, is now permanently affiliated to NCVT new Delhi, Govt. of India of Karnataka with a grant in aid.
St Aloysius I.T.I. is rendering quality training to its students and makes them self-reliant in various fields at par with industrial requirements. Training is given in 9 different trades of one year or two years duration. After the successful completion of training in the relevant trade, the trainee is eligible for appearing the All India Trade Test (AITT) conducted by NCVT and is awarded the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from the Government of India. This Certificate is valid and Gives preference in getting service during the placement in the National and International Companies. In addition to these, since last two years, SAITI has launched two Skill Development Centres, partnering with two renowned companies, namely Hyundai Company; and Arvind Motors-Mangaluru- and the third Skill Development Centre was launched recently in association with Jaquar Group (a multi-diversified bathroom solutions brand). Apart from these companies, SAITI has also received help from well-wishers in Britain and Germany.