East Jaintia Hills winter camps empower over 300 students with soft skills and wellbeing training

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 27, 2025

The “Ia ka mynried” initiative, funded by the East Jaintia Hills District Administration via the District Mineral Foundation, conducted soft skills and wellbeing winter camps. Certification events held on January 24 honoured 108 students from Jalaphet Upper Primary School, 103 from Tluh Upper Primary School, and 155 from Narwan Upper Primary & Secondary School.

Chief Guests included East Jaintia Hills Additional Deputy Commissioners Gautam Warjri, MCS, and Jacqueline Una Kharpuri, MCS, at Jalaphet and Tluh respectively. Dr. Riwanki Pyrtuh, Block Development Officer, Saipung C&RD Block, attended the Narwan event.

Named “ia ka Mynried” (Pnar for “for a better tomorrow”), the camps address substance abuse among adolescents, enhancing confidence, communication, and coping skills. AVENUES, a Meghalaya-based social enterprise, designed a 24-hour curriculum over six days for students in Classes 7-10. The camps also offer platforms for talent showcasing to build self-esteem.

A key moment was the Wellbeing Pledge against substance abuse. Students shared experiences and showcased talents. Quotes from students emphasized the dangers of bad habits, addiction, and peer pressure. Gautam Warjri, MCS, praised the program’s impact, while Jacqueline Una Kharpuri, MCS, highlighted the district’s substance abuse concerns. Dr. Riwanki Pyrtuh urged students to use their newfound skills for a better future.