A Letter To the Students at the
Betty Lawes Vocational Training Centre
at Shanti Nivas
My
dear Young People
I would like to welcome you to this special
training centre which has been set up for you.
The
Betty Lawes Foundation in England were told of the need to provide employment
opportunities for our HIV children who were not able to continue their studies
at 10+2 level. I told them that there
were several boys who were, through no fault of their own, behind in their
studies for various reasons.
Some
students found learning difficult, some had not had the opportunity to go to
school when they were young, because of their family circumstances, because they
were too ill to attend school, or because there was no school that would accept
them.
We want to give you a second chance to
succeed. A second chance, to start again. We want to enable you to learn a
trade like plumbing, electrical work, repairing electrical appliances and
phones.
You
are being given a great opportunity. Now you Young People have to prove to the
world
that
you can learn,
that
you are not stupid,
and
that you are not lazy.
It
may take a long time to learn new things but if you try, try and try again you
will succeed in the end. You will feel happy and pleased when you can do
something new. When that new knowledge can let you work well, safely and
honestly you will feel pleased with yourself and Brighter Future will be proud
of you.
It
will still be necessary to learn some Maths. Telugu, English and Computer
Studies.as well as new subjects. You will be taught in a small group and
individually. You will be given the chance to learn through doing tasks,
competing with one another, and helping one another.
It
is very important that you tell your teachers if you do not understand what you
have been asked to do. If you do not understand something ask your teachers or
fellow students to explain what you do not know. And then use your knowledge to
solve the problems yourself.
The
most dangerous thing you can do is to copy.
Why is it dangerous to copy someone else’s
work? It is harmful to you because then
your teacher does not know you don’t understand. He cannot know that you may
need extra teaching, and extra practice, to help until you do know what you are
doing.
You
are now all nearly adult and you must take responsibility for you own behaviour
in all things, in learning and in your everyday conduct.
The
Betty Lawes Foundation very kindly agreed that they would like to give you the
opportunity to have a vocation.
They
are giving Brighter Future the finance for the building, equipment and the
salaries of your teachers. They have put their trust in Brighter Future India
and in YOU. to study well, to learn a trade. After several years of working for
an employer and perhaps getting more qualifications, you may one day be able to
start your own business.
The
Betty Lawes Foundation want you to do well and learn a trade that will enable
you to support yourself and enable you to do well in your future life.
Please
remember them in your prayers
I wish you every success
Ps I used Google Translate to write this letter in Telugu and Victor printed it and gave each student a copy
