Poona College’s skill development courses help students grow economically

In a bid to encourage students from economically backward sections, the Poona College of Arts, Science and Commerce has skill development and entrepreneurship course in the campus. Various courses have been started in the campus in collaboration with Jan Shikshan Sanstha.

Authorities share with pleasure that many students from the economically backward sections have started earning after course completion and are also supporting their family.

“Our college is surrounded by slums and most of our students are from financially weaker backgrounds. Few of our students are unable to complete their graduation as they cant pay the fees. So, we decided to start skill development and entrepreneurship course in the college to support our students,” said Professor Iqbal Shaikh, vice-principal of the college.

Shaikh added that the courses were started in December 2018 in fashion designing, Henna design, mobile repairing and paper and cloth bag making. “Till now, two batches of students have completed the course and have also started making money,” he said.

The college administration has given two classrooms exclusively for this initiative and teachers from Jan Shikshan Sanstha come and teach, and a nominal fee is charged from the students for the courses.

Nazmeen Baig a final year master’s of arts student who recently completed her fashion designing course said, “I joined the three months course because I wanted to earn and support my family. After course completion, I have now started taking up new assignments in stitching. I am so happy that I learnt a new art along with academics.”

Ifra Bagwan, a Class 12 student who has joined the Mehandi course said, “I wanted to learn the art professionally so that I can take work orders on my own. I am looking forward to making money after completion of the course.”