Karigar Training Institute held their first certificate distribution ceremony at the Institute’s premises. Young and literate men, who successfully completed their six-month training in 2009, were awarded certificates in plumbing, electrical house wiring, motor-cycle repairs and refrigeration/air-conditioning repair work. A number of awards were also given to trainees for meritorious performance, attendance and punctuality.
The Institute was established a year ago, primarily with funding provided by Mahvash & Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation, which is the charitable wing of the JS Group. The primary focus areas of the foundation are healthcare, education and sustainable development through social enterprises. The Institute’s main aim is to provide vocational skills training to young men and women who have studied till high-school level. While a number of centres have been planned for development in different cities/towns of Pakistan, the first centre has been established in Karachi as a pilot project. Apart from the four trades in which certificates were awarded, this centre is developing 2-3 more programmes to be introduced later this year.
The certificate distribution ceremony was attended by trainees who qualified for the certificates, their parents, current trainees and a large number of dignitaries. Speakers included Chairman of the Institute, Mr. Munawar Alam Siddiqui, as well as the Chief Executive, Mr. Shamim Zafar. Mr. Zafar emphasized the need for life-long learning and importance of inculcating the habit of reflection to maximize learning from experience. The parent and trainees extolled the Institute’s high standards of training, discipline, weekly guest speakers’ programme and commitment of the trainers.
The Karigar Institute is affiliated with the Trade Testing Board of Government of Sindh and trainees are required to sit for a Board Examination. The Board also issues certificates to successful candidates.
