More than 5,000 youth in Meghalaya have undergone a life skills training programme, aimed at their all-round development as individuals.
The state government programme, Aspire Meghalaya, was launched in 2019 and was sponsored by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs through the Department of Arts and Culture. The government had identified major gaps that hinder youth development, namely communication, clarity of thought, wellbeing, aspiration levels and talent discovery.
Across 21 campuses in eight districts, the programme impacted 5,229 youth in its first year. The second year of the programme was launched on December 2 in East Garo Hills.
It is hoped by the government that Aspire Meghalaya will bring about a huge transformation among the youth of the state.
While speaking at the West Garo Hills commencement programme at Mount Dura Academy, Dakopgre in Tura, Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh said, “This is the first time that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is conducting such a programme across the country,” and expressed how fortunate the state is to be blessed with such a rare opportunity.
In his virtual address Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “The modules impart soft skills needed to build meaningful lives and careers with passion and self-belief. I urge our students to take this wonderful opportunity during these difficult times to discover their strengths and prepare for the future.”