Educational Tour to Skill Development Centre, Mendal and
Bosco Reach Out Agriculture Training Centre
Joropara by Economics Honours students
The 5th Semester students of the Department of Economics, Don Bosco College, Tura undertook an educational tour to Skill Development Centre, Mendal and Bosco Reach Out Agriculture Training Centre, Joropara on the 16th of September, 2023. A total of 44 students undertook the tour and they were accompanied by the Head of Department, Sir Siddhartha Roy and Mr. Brave Well Mawthoh.
During the visit to the Skill Development Centre in Mendal, the students had the opportunity to observe and learn about the various aspects of skill development training programs and their impact on individuals and communities. The centre offeres a range of courses in fields such as hospitality, food processing, agriculture, and computer education, among others. The centre also had tie-ups and collaborations with various industries which helped the trainees gain exposure and opportunities for employment. The centre's approach towards skill development training is commendable as it not only imparts knowledge but also equips the trainees with practical skills required for employment and entrepreneurship.
Such centres play a crucial role in the holistic development of individuals and communities by empowering them with skills that can transform their lives. During the visit, the students got the opportunity to observe and participate in the pickle-making process. The process was quite fascinating and the students learned a lot about the ingredients and techniques used to make this delicious pickle.
At Bosco Reach Out Agriculture Training Centre, Joropara, the students had the opportunity to learn about rubber plantation and manufacturing processes and solar energy installation. The rubber plantation at Joropara spreads over a wide area of forest. The students learned that one of the most critical aspects of natural rubber production is the tapping of latex from the rubber trees. After collection, the latex underwent a coagulation process. The coagulated latex was rolled and flattened into sheets, which were then air-dried. These rubber sheets were smooth and uniform, resembling large, flexible pancakes.
The rubber sheets were subjected to smoking, where they were hung in specially designed smokehouses. This step imparts a pale, brownish hue to the rubber, improve its elasticity, and reduce its susceptibility to mold and decay. The visit to the rubber plantation and the rubber processing unit provided a deeper appreciation for the natural rubber that we encounter in everyday products. The rubber tree, with its latex-producing ability, is truly a marvel of nature, and the process of turning latex into valuable rubber products showcases human ingenuity and resourcefulness. The students also had the opportunity to visit a solar energy installation at Joropara.
It was a fascinating experience to witness how solar energy is produced and how it contributes to a cleaner environment. Mr. Raju Thomas who is a trainer explained to the students how the panels were designed to capture the sun's energy and convert it into electricity for commercial and residential use. One of the most interesting parts of the visit was learning about how the energy produced by the solar panels can be stored in batteries. This allows the energy to be used even when the sun is not shining. It was amazing to see how advanced technology has made it possible to harness the power of the sun in this way. Another important aspect of solar energy installation is how it helps to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. By using solar energy, we can decrease our reliance on non-renewable sources of energy, which helps to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
