Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-22
BASIS OF ITS WEALTH
VALUE OF TECHNICAL EDUCA-
TON IN BELGIUM.

Consul J. C. McNally OF Liege furnishes
an interesting report on the results of TECH
nical and Industrial education in Belgium.
He writes:
THE kingdom of Belgium. with an area
OF about IL. 900 square miles and a popula-
ton of 1000. 900. presents an example OF
what technical education coupled with
native thrift win accomplish. The country's
expansion has been rapid. and Its Industrial
and commercial progress places Belgium in
the fifth place of the worlds producing ma
lions. While Belgium has always MAIN
tanned its high standards I'm general indus
try and commerce, the modern demands
have been met and the capacity of its in
ventive minds has kept pace with these de-
mands and has in many instances forged
ahead.
"For the first six months of 1906 Belgium
exported articles TO the value Of 1921 .535. 575.
an excess OF So, 600. 600 over the same period
of 1905. This was due to the capacity OF
the producers to manufacture in way sue
cessfully to compete with foreign compet-
tors in the open markets of the world. This
general capability extends from the director
of the factory to the smallest employe. The
elements that enter into this capacity are
prime quality, continued output, and
the power of the artisan to produce at the
lowest possible cost Nor is this standard
of usefulness the result of accident.
The government, In full appreciation OF
tlle TACT tndt upon the nation = expectations
depends its prosperity, joins hands with the
various industries. and by every material
assistance, judicious legislation and the cre-
alton OF technical institutions opens
markets, helps the production and estub-
fishes high standard of skilled labor
Domestic Training School.
The prosperity of Belgium. which is adj
vancing rapidly from year to year. is I'M
doubtedly due to the technical teaching.
x1hi lob 10 L.,
numbers of its Institutions These schools
created and maintained by the government.
are under the general supervision of the de-
partment of commerce and labor which
appoints board of general supervisors.
whose duty 1t is to see that the teaching il
of high standard as we'll as to oversee
the sanitary and hygienic arrangements OF
the various schools. Belgium enjoys the dis
tinction of being the first country to organ
lie domestic training schools the first be-
ing established in 1889.
This system comprises in its practical
curriculum maintenance and cleanliness of
dwellings. furnishings, laundry work cut
ting. fitting. making and repairing of ordi-
nary garments, cooking. and in the rural
districts, gardening. dairy work and the
care of poultry. The theoretical teaching
consists of lectures on hygiene, domestic
economy, care of children and sick nurs-
ing. This particular training is intended
for the children of the working classes the
object being to prepare the pupil for the
u
housewife or servant. In the more adj
vanced schools, termed professional domes-
tic schools, the theological and practical
teachings ire equal. and includes designing,
cutting, dressmaking, millinery, artificial
flower making, lace making, embroidery,
china painting, commercial bookkeeping.
stenography, typewrting, domestic econ
omy. etc. The practical effect of this sys-
tenn not only enables a girl to gain liven-
hood by the application of her knowledge in
the various branches taught, but is particu-
larry emphasized In housekeeping and the
higher service. While the government has
legislated against the employment of
women under ground, they assume impor-
tant places in the large manufactures. and
work side by side with the male employee,
demonstrating equal ability.
Many of the large workshops give tech
meal lectures and demonstrations express
ly for the female employe who Is unable
to take advantage of the technical course
offered to boys.
Training of Boys.
| industrial work. attention is given to the
demands of the various localities. The
various schools are as follows: Mechan
| ical and electrical engineering. iron ana
steel. wood cutting, carpentering. joining,
| plumbing, watch making, jewelry making.
| firearm manufacturing, bookbinding and
gliding painting, designing, engraving. spin
ming and weaving. dyeing. tanning, basket
making, lace making, upholstery, tailoring,
| wood sculpture, telegraphy. music. etc.
While the practical work OF these institu-
lions is the same in the actual work
shops, the theoretical training is intended
to meet what the workshop does not sup
ply