Shillong, 24th April: A total of 171 students of Pine Mount School, Shillong were felicitated at a certification programme held at the school premises on Wednesday.
The students participated in pilot training interventions under SPARK (School Programmes in Articulation, Resilience, and Kindness), organized by the Department of Education, Government of Meghalaya, and Samagra Shiksha – State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya (SEMAM). The programme, was implemented by AVENUES, Shillong, spanned 20 hours and aimed to impart core soft skills essential for youth in the state. These skills include career and life readiness, self-worth and confidence, communication skills, critical thinking through STEM-based activities, and emotional well-being.
Swapnil Tembe, IAS, State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Government of Meghalaya, interacted with the student who participated at the certification programme. He emphasized the importance of confidence and resilience in achieving success in life, regardless of career paths. Tembe also stressed the significance of practicing kindness and human values for personal and collective well-being.
Daphibawanri L Synrem, a Class 8 student at Pine Mount School, shared her experience with SPARK, highlighting how the programme enhanced her confidence and communication skills. Adonasherisa R Phawa, also a Class 8 student, expressed how SPARK improved her ability to communicate and collaborate with classmates.
During classroom interactions, Tembe encouraged maximum participation from students and witnessed presentations on social issues and STEM projects. These presentations allowed for on-the-spot assessments of articulation, public speaking skills, and overall engagement.
Certificates were handed over to students by the State Project Director, SSA, in the presence of department officials, members of the implementing agency Avenues, and school staff.
Upcoming training interventions under SPARK will commence in all other districts in the coming weeks, with over 2,700 students from 15 campuses across 12 districts already enrolled in the programme.
, organized by the Department of Education, Government of Meghalaya, and Samagra Shiksha - State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya (SEMAM).){kind=link}