Salesian college heads discuss government policies and employability of students

November 23, 2012 - Some 47 heads of Don Bosco Higher Education Network – members of the International Salesian Universities (IUS) – on Friday began their Asia continental meet at Nitika Don Bosco in eastern India’s Kolkata city. Welcoming the participants from India and the Philippines as well as the IUS Coordinator from Rome at the 23-25 November inaugural session, Provincial of Kolkata Fr Thomas Ellicherail reminded members that “young people in our institutes of higher learning are capable of reflection on issues such as education, dialogue, culture and peace.” The Social Communications head for Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia Fr Ellicherail recalled Salesian congregations thrust in the recent general chapters on “education as evangelization.” Highlighting the success story of Don Bosco Tech India, Fr Ellicherail encouraged members “to network among members, government and the public.” The IUS General Coordinator Bro Mario Olmos, on his first visit to the region, presented documents on policies and action programmes for 2012-2016. The main thrust of this meet is “human resource management and employability of our graduates,” said IUS Asia Coordinator and Vice-Chancellor of Don Bosco University Guwahati Dr Stephen Mavely. He added, “the discussions will be guided by new government perspectives, policies and initiatives.” All 11 Salesian provinces of India together run over 40 Colleges and Institutes of higher learning.