Sargodha Institute of Technology explained

Sargodha Institute of Technology
Established:1959
Type:Technical Institute
Religion:Roman Catholic
Head Label:Principal
Head:Mr. Zeeshan Ilyas
Staff:67
Students:1119
Chair Label:Administration
Chair:Diocesan Board of Education (DBE)
City:Sargodha
Province:Punjab
Country:Pakistan
Gender:Men
Lower Age:15
Upper Age:22
Affiliations:Roman Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi

Sargodha Institute of Technology is a technical institute located in Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan.[1] It is owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi. It is affiliated with the Punjab Board of Technical Education and Punjab Skill Development Authority.

History

Sargodha Institute of Technology (SIT) was founded in 1959 to provide technical education to the children from the Christian villages of Josephabad and Mariakhel.[2] Initially managed by German volunteers and funded by Misereor, a German agency aimed at combating hunger and poverty, SIT initially offered courses in carpentry, electronics, metalwork, and electricity.[2]

Over time, SIT faced competition from other institutions offering longer, three-year training programs.[2] In response, the institute, under new management and direction from the Bishop Anthony Theodore Lobo, extended its courses to three years.[2] This change led to an increase in student enrollment. The institute provides scholarships to Catholic students, funded by the Diocese of Rawalpindi or the institute itself, and serves students from both Christian and Muslim communities.[3]

In 2009, the SIT was amongst the Christian institutions the Taliban sent letters to warning Christian leaders to convert to Islam or face dire consequences.[4]

In 2010, the Principal was Robinson Daniel.[5] When he took over in 2002 there were 33 students. With the improvements he introduced in 2018 there were over 1000 students.[6]

In 2005, Robinson visited Germany financed by the Catholic aid organization Misereor. They also funded the purchase of new equipment. In addition he was able to ship back equipment donated from Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The equipment in the institute had not been upgraded in over 40 years.[6]

In 2019, the Catholic Church continues to subsidise the institute despite its financial difficulties.[7]

Diplomas

It offers diploma in the following trades:[8]

List of principals

Notes and References

  1. Hedlund, R., et al. (Eds.) The Oxford Encyclopaedia of South Asian Christianity. Oxford University Press, 2011
  2. Book: Daniel, Robinson. The Oxford Encyclopaedia of South Asian Christianity. January 20, 2011. Oxford University Press. www.oxfordreference.com. 10.1093/acref/9780198073857.001.0001/acref-9780198073857-e-0866.
  3. Web site: Bishop Anthony Lobo's Silver Jubilee at Islamabad | PDF | Ancient Mediterranean Religions | Christian Denominational Families. Scribd.
  4. Web site: Assyrian International News Agency 10-16-2009.
  5. http://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/viewarticles.php?editorialid=573 Pakistan Christian Post September 6, 2010
  6. Web site: Pakistanischer Lehrer tauscht sich mit Entwicklungshelfer Meyer aus. September 11, 2018. www.kreiszeitung.de.
  7. Web site: Save minority places. June 28, 2019. The Nation.
  8. Web site: PBTE | Punjab Board of Technical Education, Lahore.