300 graduate from LEAP Life Skills Programme in Mawkyrwat

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

TURA, Dec 21: Over 300 boys and girls of the higher secondary and college sections of Sngap Syiem College, Mawkyrwat, graduated from a unique year-end ‘Career Readiness and Life Skills Programme’ hosted under LEAP Meghalaya, an initiative of the Chief Minister’s Career Guidance and Counselling Scheme.

The programme was formally iugurated in the South West Khasi Hills on December 5 where the participants were taken through intensive modules in confidence building, life skills, soft skills and basic career readiness in preparation for life and work by LEAP training partner AVENUES, Shillong.

It may be mentioned that LEAP was recently launched at a State ceremony held at Tura Government College on December 15 by Meghalaya Chief Minister (Dr) Mukul Sangma.

The various programmes aim at connecting the youth of the State with life skills, employability, aspirations and purpose, which is a first of its kind initiative taken up by a State government.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner of South West Khasi Hills Isawanda Laloo applauded the students for their hard work and determition and acknowledged the visual transformation evident on the “faces and smiles of all students present”.  She urged the LEAP graduates to focus on their unique qualities and talents as “in the short term, mid-term and long term, we hope to hear many success stories emerging from this beautiful district.” Local artist Dashanbor Lyngkhoi’s talent as an ambidextrous artist and dancer was also acknowledged by the Deputy Commissioner on the occasion.

Principal of the college Dr SS Khongkliam, while appreciating the efforts and training rendered by the team from Avenues, Shillong, requested the State Government to continue supporting the capacity-building programmes under the Chief Minister’s Career Guidance and Counselling Scheme for the benefits of the youth in the district.

Conducting a brief session on ‘Self-belief and Motivation’, Maging Director of Group Avenues Mark Laitflang Stone congratulated the graduates on their completion of the programme. “LEAP is designed to bring out the best in you and will work towards improving career preparedness.”

Capping the event was an inspiring flash song titled “Fireworks” performed by the large gathering of youth present. Certificates of Participation were distributed by the Deputy Commissioner to the participating students.

Youth camps and programmes, under LEAP Meghalaya, are currently underway in Shillong in the East Khasi Hills, Tura in West Garo Hills, Jowai in West Jaintia Hills and Ampati in South West Garo Hills. LEAP is initiated by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs and implemented by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner across districts.