East Jaintia Hills wraps up winter camps for soft skills and wellbeing

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 18, 2024

Over 300 students participated in the first winter camp under the “ia ka Mynried” initiative, sponsored by the District Administration of East Jaintia Hills through the District Mineral Foundation. The students were felicitated at a certification event on December 17 at Khliehriat Higher Secondary School, attended by Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of Sutnga-Saipung Constituency, and Shivansh Awasthi, Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills District.

The “ia ka Mynried” winter camps, meaning “for a better tomorrow” in Pnar, aim to improve communication skills and confidence among adolescents, particularly in mining-affected communities. AVENUES, a Meghalaya-based social enterprise, developed a curriculum focusing on building confidence, basic communication skills, and healthy coping habits against substance abuse. The winter camps also provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and build self-esteem. The training interventions target students of Classes 7, 8, and 9 and are delivered over 24 hours spread across six days.

A key highlight of the certification event was the Wellbeing Pledge against drugs and substance abuse. Some participants shared their learnings and showcased their talents.

Xevia Samantha Sympli, a Class 7 student, shared her experience from the winter camp, saying, “I learned how to use the 4 S’s – Stand, See, Smile, and Speak – to communicate more clearly and confidently. It was interesting to learn about the five elements of ourselves – Hobbies, Talents, Interests, Skills, and Qualities.” Speaking about substance abuse awareness, she said, “Drugs are dangerous for our health, environment, and relationships. The meaning of ‘ia ka Mynried’ is ‘for the future,’ and these winter camps will help us improve our wellbeing for the future.”

During one of the sessions, Alrik Shylla, a Class 9 student, shared his story about growing up in Khliehriat. “Many people my age are addicted to drugs. But I am choosing a different path. Our group has come up with a slogan: ‘If you can skip it for a day, you can skip it for a lifetime.’ I am inspired to spread awareness against drug abuse.”

Santa Mary Shylla, spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of the program in combining education and health. She encouraged students to take the message of drug abuse awareness back to their homes and communities.

Shivansh Awasthi, Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills, highlighted the importance of teamwork in fighting drug abuse and the program’s role in encouraging talent display. He expressed hopes for identifying and showcasing students’ talents on larger platforms.

The event was also attended by Br. Solomon Swer, Principal of Khliehriat Higher Secondary School, teachers, Mark Laitflang Stone, Founder-CEO of AVENUES Meghalaya, and members of AVENUES. Certificates were handed to participants, including students from neighboring schools.

The “ia ka Mynried” Winter Camps will extend to more schools in the area in the coming months, aiming to reach over 1,700 youths in the district.