The Xavier Institute of Natural Resource Management (XINRM) at Social Centre, Ahmednagar, being run by the Jesuits of Pune Province, has taken a significant stride towards empowering rural youth by introducing a Certificate Course in Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS). This innovative initiative aims to provide essential spatial technology skills to youth from rural areas, opening up new opportunities for employment and economic growth.

Largely, rural students have encountered various challenges in accessing GIS training. Limited educational resources and financial constraints have made it difficult for them to pursue such courses. Many have had to bear the burden of high fees and additional expenses by traveling to urban centers like Pune to receive training. However, with the implementation of the GIS & RS course at XINRM in Ahmednagar, these obstacles are being overcome by offering affordable and accessible training directly to the rural youth.

Starting from July to September 2023, this full-time professional course will deliver comprehensive instruction in GIS and RS to a cohort of 30 students. The curriculum covers advanced topics such as RS, Image Processing, GIS, and Navigation Systems, along with an exploration of the underlying spatial data structures used in GIS. Divided into theory sessions (6 credits), practical and field work (6 credits), and a research dissertation (4 credits), this 16-credit course aims to provide students with a well-rounded education in GIS and RS.

By providing this specialized training program, XINRM is not only equipping rural youth with valuable skills but also paving the way for their social and economic advancement. The GIS and RS course has the potential to transform the lives of rural students, enabling them to break free from the cycle of poverty and create a promising future for themselves and their communities.