The Rotary Vocational Training Centre under Rotary Club, Mandi, in collaboration with Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS), Sadyana, organised a one-week summer camp-cum-skill enhancement programme for 10 students enrolled in tourism vocational education in the district.
The programme focused on pine needle craft with the objective of promoting “earning while learning”, environmental conservation, reduction of forest fire hazards and engaging students in innovative and productive activities during their summer vacation.
Under the guidance of trainer Santosh Sachdeva and the leadership of Vijay Sen, the students enthusiastically participated in hands-on training sessions and learned to create a variety of eco-friendly products including rakhis, planters, coasters and decorative craft items from locally available pine needles.
Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Sen expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Rotary Club, Mandi, for providing such a valuable learning opportunity to the students. He appreciated the club’s efforts in promoting vocational skills, creativity and environmental awareness among youth.
Programme Coordinator Rtn Tara Devi Sen said the students were encouraged to continue practicing the craft at home and would be invited to attend a 20-day advanced workshop during the forthcoming monsoon vacation. Upon successful completion of the workshop, participants would be awarded certificates.
Trainer Santosh Sachdeva said the Rotary Vocational Training Centre would remain open for all interested students during vacations and offers free training sessions in pine needle craft, enabling them to acquire useful skills and explore self-employment opportunities.
Rtn Aruna Kapoor, director, vocational services, highlighted the importance of extracurricular and skill-based activities in holistic education. She stated that Rotary Club, Mandi, was committed to organising such programmes on a larger scale in the future to nurture creativity, environmental responsibility and entrepreneurship among students.
Prominent rotarians present on the closing day included Rtn Dharmender Rana, Rtn Kushal Thakur, Rtn Dinesh Malhotra, and Rtn Nalin Kapoor, who appreciated the students’ enthusiasm and the success of the initiative.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and a pledge to continue promoting eco-friendly skills, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental stewardship among the younger generation.
