Global Conference on Skilling in Schools

PHD House, New Delhi on 18 July, 2013

Our teachers, Ms. Ekta Chitkara and Ms. Pooja Bahl attended a one-8 day conference on vocational education in schools and imparting skills to young adults graduating from schools and colleges across India.

With an eye to reap the benefit of 'Demographic Dividend' which India will be bestowed with in the next 15-20 years with 65% of the population being of 20-35 years of age, an august gathering of academicians, industrialists and educationists strongly advocated the need to make the youth not only qualified in terms of degrees and diplomas but also requisite skills, training and knowledge to make them employable and productive citizens.

The conference was inaugurated by Mr. V.V. Prasada Rao, Director ( EDUSAT and Vocational), CBSE. He put forth a proposal to introduce the imparting of skills from the very tender age of 5-6 years of age. His idea was welcomed by all present there.

One of the key speakers, Mr. Narayanan Ramaswamy, Partner and Head, Education, KPMG group pointed out the need to inculcate the value of dignity of work in children so that they do not feel hesitation in opting for new courses which they are more suited to.

Another point of contention was that vocational education is the most effective tool to take knowledge beyond textbooks and impart attitudes and values among students.

Vocational subjects have been successfully launched in Haryana and the experience was effectively presented by Ms. Rekha Menon from the Wadhwani Foundation. Guidelines on infrastructure, faculty, curriculum, evaluation and delivery mechanism are inspired from NVEQF ( National Vocational Education Qualifications' Framework) launched by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.

Dr. Ganeshan V., Director, Takshshila Junior College, Ujjain Madhya Pradesh also shared his experience of successfully introducing vocational subjects at his institute.

Ms. Usha Ram, Principal Laxman Public School , New Delhi presented a powerpoint presentation on her schools venture into vocational subjects as suggested by CBSE last year. She also provided glimpses into the infrastructure required for the same. The aim of the conference was to develop institutes which focus not only on academic excellence but are equally inspired to build a workforce that is a powerful aid to economic growth in various sectors.

Reported by Ms. Pooja Bahl and Ms. Ekta Chitkara.