The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, September 10, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Centurion University has announced the successful graduation of its 3-month Certificate Skill Course on “Technician Water Distribution System,” marking a significant milestone for the WADEYE community in Australia. This course, part of the “WADEYE Training Project,” aims to equip First Nation members with essential technical skills to foster economic empowerment and community development.
The graduation ceremony was held on Monday at Centurion University’s Bhubaneswar campus and was attended by distinguished guests including Vice-Chancellor (Odisha) Prof. Supriya Pattanayak, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Dr. Ajay Nayak, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Dr. Biswajit Mishra, and Director Prof. Jagannath Padhy. Special guests included Captain Vikas Patra, Director of the School of Maritime Studies, and Captain Angus Ferguson, Director of Onboard Maritime, UK. Swagatika Mohapatra, Project Leader from Centurion University, and Ann Nguyen Orchiston, Project Leader from Thamarrurr Youth Foundation, Australia, were also in attendance to celebrate this achievement.
In her address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Supriya Pattanayak highlighted Centurion University’s dedication to providing high-quality skills education. “This initiative with the WADEYE community represents our commitment to nurturing talent that can drive meaningful change. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and confident that these newly acquired technical skills will open doors to enhanced career opportunities and community leadership roles,” she stated.
The course offered comprehensive training in water distribution system maintenance, along with supplementary knowledge in automotive and electric vehicle technologies. Swagatika Mohapatra emphasized the broader impact of the program: “This course was designed to not only impart technical knowledge but also to build confidence and self-reliance among the students. Seeing their growth over the past three months has been immensely rewarding. We are thrilled to have witnessed their readiness to assume greater responsibilities within their communities.”
The latest cohort of graduates includes Kurt Christian Bunduck, Benedict Joseph Mullumbu, and Dick Junior Dungal Parry. This represents the successful completion of the fourth cohort, bringing the total number of graduates from the WADEYE Training Project to 14.
Centurion University’s initiative, envisioned six years ago by Prof. Mukti Kanta Mishra, President of Centurion University, has evolved into a transformative program that bridges cultural and educational gaps between India and Australia. The WADEYE Training Project not only imparts vital technical skills but also fosters a deeper understanding and connection between diverse cultures, ultimately enhancing the career prospects and community contributions of its participants.
This project also reflects the vision of Rebecca Crawley, Director of the Thamarrurr Youth Foundation, who sought to provide meaningful livelihood and skill training opportunities for the WADEYE youth. Through collaborative efforts, both Crawley’s and Prof. Mishra’s aspirations have materialized, offering participants the tools needed to build sustainable careers and contribute positively to their communities.
Throughout their stay in India, the WADEYE students embraced both technical learning and cultural experiences, supported by Centurion University’s comprehensive accommodation and cultural integration programs. This cultural exchange enriched the educational journey for both the students and the university’s faculty.
Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), this training program enhances water management and access to clean water resources while fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Centurion University’s commitment to global collaborations and innovative educational solutions continues to drive its efforts in community and individual development, reinforcing its role as a leader in fostering international educational partnerships and sustainable progress.
