Page:SELECTED ESSAYS of Dr. S. S. KALBAG.pdf/127

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the rate of the market growth. We expect it should grow exponentially. At this stage, a decision should be taken whether the state should continue funding or the community would take over. If the benefits are perceived as substantial, the parents may be willing to pay the costs. Summary A scheme based on 18 years experience of the Prevocational Programme is presented, for giving work-oriented education at different levels of schooling. The Primary will have Work Experience syllabus as detailed. The Lower Secondary will have a generic, prevocational multi- skill course that gives a variety of relevant services to the community, through students. There is also a Trainee Entrepreneur scheme that brings in ex- dropouts as instructors after proper training and develops them as small enterprise men. This combination reduces the cost to Rs 2000 per student, for the complete 3-year course. The package has several benefits to the student that should make the student willing to pay for the entire cost. (Compare costs of computer courses in the large number now proliferating) The Vocational Course has a generic part: stressing on spotting economic opportunities and collecting and analysing information. The specific vocation will be an elective part. All training will be through hands-on experience in a production-service centre that links with the community for its market. It also does development work for the local government. Overall the cost of training will be substantially less than the present estimated Rs. 5000 per student year to less than Rs. 1000 per student year. Even this will be ultimately passed on to the clients. Rural Development Through Education System 114