Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) in association with School of Fashion Technology (SOFT) run by Maharashi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha (MKSSS) will offer the courses. It will be a first co-education effort of the MKSSS, which traditionally runs its under graduate and post graduate courses for girl student only.
Though MKSSS was founded with a vision to promote education among girls, we thought we should admit boys for this particular course since there are very few opportunities for boys to get education in the field of fashion designing in spite of having good job opportunities in this field. However, preference will be given to girl students during admisisons," said Ravindra Deshpande, secretary of MKSSS. Boys have lot of job opportunities in the fashion field and they can work as assistant designers, visual merchandisers, fashion journalists and even fashion show event managers. Boys are also doing well in drawing and machine operation skills. Moreover, they can opt for textile industry where there is a need of 3 million skilled workers in India alone. The courses will prove to be a gateway for the boys in these fields where they can earn decent remuneration," said Manju Hundekar, principal of SOFT.
Director of YCMOU Rajendra Vadnere said the courses are designed by SOFT and YCMOU. "The courses starting from October 1 will be offered not exactly through distance mode but through flexible mode of education in which students will have to attend classes on Saturdays and Sundays at SOFT," he said.
Courses such as diploma, BSc and MSc in fashion design and MBA in fashion management will be offered. Intake for each course is 40 and students can apply till September 30," said Vadnere.
According to Hundekar, the courses are unique in the sense that students who are doing regular degree courses else where can do these courses simultaneously. "Working professionals can also opt for the courses since the classes will be conducted on weekends," she said.
Internet sessions is also one of the main features of the course. Students can log on to internet from anywhere and listen to the lectures of experts which will be interactive. VCDs of practicals will be provided to the students who can work on the project accordingly," said Hundekar.