In just one year, the Chief Minister’s Youth Centre (CMYC) project has ignited a wave in rural Meghalaya’s educational landscape.
Emerging from learning pilots in Sohrarim and Nongwah, this initiative has burgeoned into 22 CMYCs, a pioneering endeavour in India. Furnished with tools, resources and technology, they offer immersive, hands-on learning experiences tailored to the demands of the modern era.
These centres aim to cultivate critical thinking, autonomy and community engagement, benefiting over 1,549 learners and fostering holistic development across rural Meghalaya.
The project has an ability to accommodate learners across all age groups. Children as young as 6 years old are a common sight in all the CMYC libraries where learning is fun and designed according to the latest and ever adapting library pedagogies. Yet, equally striking are the older individuals, some in their 50s and beyond, engaging in learning alongside learners not much older than their own grandchildren.
One figure among these is a learner from Silsotchigre CMYC, Caxton G Sangma, a man with a fiery passion for fine arts. At the age of 62, he is so far the oldest among all the learners in the CMYC project in the state. His commitment to learning at his age is both remarkable and inspiring. Even after retiring from his lifelong profession, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of self-discovery through art and visuals. By sharing his life experiences and stories, he not only imparts wisdom but also creates a sense of belonging, forging deep connections with fellow learners.
His presence at the centre serves as a beacon of assurance for younger learners, inspiring them to navigate their own learning journeys with confidence and resilience. Silsotchigre lies in remote West Garo Hills and is known for being home to the endangered Western Hoolock Gibbons. However, with striking individuals like Sangma, wildlife tales are not the only narratives emanating from this picturesque village.
Another similar story emanates from Langsymphut CMYC. Thwin Lyngdoh, 55, defies stereotypes by actively engaging in learning at the centre. Her regular visits aim to hone her knitting skills, a craft she embraced after observing the growing demand for woollen clothing in her chilly locale. Despite her age, Thwin’s enthusiasm for learning remains undiminished, driven by a desire to inspire her children and cultivate her creativity through this traditional handicraft.
“I do it so that I could make ends meet, while also ensuring that I acquire this essential skill so that I could pass it to my children,” Lyngdoh said while speaking about the reason behind her endeavour. “Learning should not end.”
