Matters India reporter
Sonada – The season for college hunt and admissions has begun. A community radio in Darjeeling Hills has come up with a novel idea to help school leaving students with career opportunities not only in higher education but also in skills training.

Radio Salesian 90.8 FM, the first college based community radio in Bengal and entire northeast India has launched a program called LIFE AFTER SCHOOL in which listeners can be educated to form their choices for future career.

Radio Station Director Fr C.M. Paul says, “Heads of eight departments at Salesian College Sonada have cooperated in the making of this one hour show during which the faculty members explain each subject and career opportunities for those taking subjects such as English, History, Sociology, Education, Business Administration, Commerce, Political Science, and Computer Science.”

“It has been a great learning experience to package the shows with faculty members to help school leaving students to choose their future careers in an enlightened manner,” says Program Director and RJ at Radio Salesian Mr Samir Chhetri.

Mr Chhetri adds, “We will air the various episodes at different times during the day all through the month of May, so that not only students but their parents also get a chance to listen to the various subjects taught in college as well as their career opportunities.”

Principal of Salesian College Dr George Thadathil who encouraged the radio program concept says, “The career guidance episodes could be uploaded on college web radio site so that students elsewhere could benefit by listening to it and making informed choices for their future.”

“We have also programs on short courses on vocational and skill training in CNC and CAD for computer based lathe operation and computer designing, as well as hospitality industry opportunities,” says Senior Assistant Professor Terence Mukhia leaving studio after recording a show.

“It has been a great learning experience for me to work with Salesian College Radio and listen to so many faculty members speaking on the various subjects offered in the college and its job opportunities,” says Mr Dikshit Tamang from St Xavier’s High School Dilaram an intern with the Radio Salesian awaiting results before joining college.