By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: A bonhomie atmosphere prevailed at the valedictory function organised by Umang Women Vocational Education & Training Institute under the Gharib Nawaz Foundation for Education, (GNFE), here on Saturday to present certificates to the students at the conclusion of vocational training course conducted for girls and women in the trades of Zardozi, artificial jwellery and cutting & tailoring.
About 60 members of the fairer sex in the first batch, 20 each in Zardozi, artificial jwellery and cutting & tailoring trades, underwent free training for three months. The articles prepared by the trainees were displayed on the occasion for exhibition and sale, which impressed one and all to the core. Some of the articles were also sold out on the occasion.
The training course was organised under the watchful eyes of Dr. Zargham Haider, a retired professor, and Dr. Asfa Yaseen, Joint Director in Sunderlal Sharma Vocational Training Institute, by GNFE, thereby paving the way of women empowerment. The moving spirit behind the training was S. H. Khan, the member secretary of GNFE. Syed Hamid Ali, Administrator of the institution, and his deputy Mohammad Sohail Anwar played a stellar role in keeping a tab on the day-to-day needs of the training course.
At the presentation ceremony Certificate of Competence was presented to each of the participants who underwent the training successfully. The candidates were overwhelmed with joy at receiving the certificates, which meant a key to improve their economic status by earning their livelihood in a respectable manner. With a glint in their eyes the candidates exuded self-confidence with a hope to be self-reliant when they put into practice in a professional manner what they had learnt. They expressed their gratitude in abundance to their mentors, instructors and all others who were involved in the project with gifts and mementos in order to maintain a healthy relation between the teacher and the taught which is fast vanishing from society nowadays. One student from each trade spoke profusely about the training and lauded the role of the GNFE management in providing them opportunity to hone their skills in their respective vocational trades.
S. H. Khan, who presided over the function, said his aim is to wipe out illiteracy and provide vocational education to the Muslims so that they could stand on their feet and not become burden on society. He exhorted the students to become good human beings first to spread message of love so as to refurbish the image of Muslim community, which has been much defamed before starting their own ventures.
Dr. Zargham Haider, who was the chief guest, speaking on the occasion said women should develop self-confidence by empowering themselves with vocational education to improve their lot economically. He assured to open vocational training programmes in other trades also apart with increasing the duration of the existing three courses.
Dr. Asfa Yaseen in a spirited manner congratulated the students and hoped they would utilise the art learnt during the training to improve their economic status. A donation of Rs. 5000 was announced for the GNFE on behalf of Dr. Asfa’s mother.
Omar Farook Khatani, secretary M.P. Minority Commission, while congratulating the students stressed the need for vocational education and said they would be ambassadors of this institution wherever they go.
Prof. Saeed Akhtar, suggested to the passed out students to form a group of three with one each from the three trades when they start their own commercial ventures.
Syed Hamid proposed a vote of thanks while Sohail Anwar conducted the function.
Architect S. M. Hussain, Builder Shakeel Khan, journalist Pervez Bari, Rahil Anwar etc. were present amongst others on the occasion. ([email protected])