Over 2,700 students from 15 campuses across 12 districts in the state have been enrolled for SPARK (School Programmes in Articulation, Resilience and Kindness) training to commence in the coming weeks.
SPARK is a programme of the Department of Education, Government of Meghalaya and Samagra Shiksha – State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya (SEMAM) to impart core soft skills that have emerged as critical needs for the youth of the state.
The foundational training under the programme aims to instil career and life readiness through sessions that nurture self-worth and confidence, communication skills, critical thinking through STEM-based activities and emotional wellbeing.
Pine Mount School, Shillong was earlier selected as the pilot training interventions under SPARK wherein the programme was conducted for 20 hours implemented by Avenues, Shillong.
A certification programme for 171 students of the school was held today at the school premise which was attended by State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Swapnil Tembe.
Speaking of the vision behind SPARK, he stressed on the need to build confidence as young adults. “You have different dreams and goals. But no matter what career you choose – medical, teaching, engineering, administration or entrepreneurship – you need to first have the confidence to do it. It will not happen overnight, but it is good to see you have started to speak up, ask questions and work on your communication skills,” he said.
He further added that resilience is a crucial skill to succeed in life. “We may not always succeed in the first attempt, and it is important to accept failure and not give up,” he went on. Referring to the need to practice kindness and human values, he said, “While success is important to us individually, kindness is the only way for the world to thrive. This, at your age, is the right time to build on all these skills that you will need in any path in life.”
Students who spoke about their experience said they not only gained confidence to speak and communicate effectively but gained values. “I believe that if you’re just smart and you get good grades, but if you don’t have or practice any values, there’s really no point” Daphibawanri L Synrem, a Class 8 student said.
During an interaction with Tembe, students shared their programme experience and a few groups displayed their presentations on social issues and STEM projects that touched upon the Resilience and Kindness components of the programme.
The presentations were an effort to conduct on-the-spot assessments and gauge articulation and public speaking skills ranging from personal and team introductions to receiving questions from audiences, project walk-through, body language, audience connect and stage presence.
Principal of the school Wertimon Dkhar, department officials, members of the implementing agency, and school staff were also present at the event.
