Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that “the youth are energy and it is the duty of community, religious and political leaders to guide this energy (youth) in a constructive way”.
He was inaugurating the new building of Albera Home & Youth Centre at St Paul’s Parish, Lai Mer, Upper Shillong on December 11.
While appreciating the steps taken up by the Youth Centre for taking up various activities related to the welfare of the youth, Sangma requested the management of the Centre to make a proper documentation of the entire steps and efforts put in by it so that it will become a role model for others.
Mentioning about the benefits that the government is offering for the youth under the scheme ‘YESS Meghalaya’, Sangma lamented that many people are not aware of various schemes provided by the government.
The new building was blessed by Fr. V T Jose. The other highlights of the day were songs and dances performed by the students of the Centre.
It may be mentioned here that the Albera Home & Youth Centre is managed by St. Gabriel Outreach and was initiated by an alumni of St. Gabriel’s Higher Secondary School, Lai Mer, Upper Shillong under the guidance and support of Fr. Tobias K. Kynta, Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Parish.
Funded through the Chief Minister Special Development Fund (CMDSF), the Centre since its inception in March 2023 has started an evening school for marginalised youth and working students with NIOS courses for classes 10 and12.
The Centre has also started guidance and counselling for those battling with drugs and alcohol. It is also equipped with vocational and entrepreneurial skills besides offering computer courses and other services to tap the talented youth in sports and music.
