Conrad K Sangma launches coffee table book on ‘Aspire Meghalaya’

India’s first soft skills and well-being programme for tribal youths

A Correspondent

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the coffee table book and documentary film on “Aspire Meghalaya”, a programme designed to enhance well-being and improve soft skills of tribal youths of the State, in a glittering function marking the culmination of the first Entrepreneurship and Startup Summit 2020.

Launched in 2019, “Aspire Meghalaya” is India’s first soft skills and well-being programme for tribal youths and is set to support them in meeting the challenges of three gaps that are hindering their employability: a lack of clarity on their aspirations, underdeveloped communication skills and a lack of emotional resilience to face challenges at workplaces and in their relationships.

The programme was initiated by the Government of Meghalaya and was executed by Avenues, Meghalaya’s pioneering life coaching social enterprise. The objective of the programme was to improve employability for the youth and empower them with employable soft skills, encourage talent identification and aspiration recognition at an early age.

The Chief Minister said that “Aspire Meghalaya” has set a new benchmark as far as empowering the tribal youths of the region. He said that he will engage with Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India and would apprise them that similar programmes should be held in different tribal pockets of the country.

“Tribal youths have no access to opportunities and facilities to improve their confidence and talents. A programme like ‘Aspire Meghalaya’ will give wings to their ideas, thoughts and vision and will allow them to move forward in life,” the Chief Minister said.

He lauded the effort of Avenues and its founder Mark Laitflang Stone for his commitment and dedication to work with the youth and ensure that their talents and skills are recognised and given a platform to shine.

“I have been clear from Day one that our youth are very talented, inspired and really want to do many things, but face hurdles they feel they can’t cross. Aspire Meghalaya has become the effort to help them cross over barriers. Here, we’re looking at the individual and delving into their mindset and ensuring that they truly believe in themselves,” Conrad exhorted.

Head and founder of Avenues, Mark Laitflang Stone said, “The programme builds upon the pillars of mindsets, emotions, communication, connection and recognises talent and aspirations”.

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