YouthNet, YRS organise ‘LaunchPad Education’

YouthNet and the department of Youth Resources and Sports Friday organised “LaunchPad Education and Career Fair 2023” at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima for students who recently appeared their Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examinations 2023.
Speaking at the fair as guest of honour, advisor, industries and commerce, Hekani Jakhalu stressed on the importance of mainstreaming attractive teaching and learning methods in all schools.
She lauded the stakeholders for taking the big step of introducing innovative programs in improving the education system in Nagaland.
Pointing out the fast-paced emergence of cutting-edge technologies, Hekani urged the youth to keep learning new skills and equip themselves. She also gave out the “LaunchPad Awards to the Best School” to Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Tseminyu.
In a short speech, Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, MLA, encouraged the youths from different districts of the state to discover their talents and seek guidance to hone their skills.
Principal director, School Education, Thavaseelan K said the larger problem faced by students after completion of college the students was the “next step”. He said such confusion has caused unemployment problem, which was posing as a “ticking time bomb” for the youth.
To address such issue, Thavaseelan said there was a need to identify the interest of students in early stage and skill them so that they are employable.
Department of youth resources and sports, director, Akumla Chuba encouraged the students to explore the avenues beyond traditional jobs and plan their careers based on their interest and abilities.
Chuba informed that the program has covered 3000 students with 3394 enrolments in 2020-21 and 3397 students had enrolled in 2021-22.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohima, Shanavas C encouraged the youths to discover their potential and make the best use of the opportunities. He advised the students to organise study groups, career groups and make use of the internet in an interesting and productive way. YouthNet director, Nuneseno Chase highlighted on the overview of the Launchpad.
Dr. Tsielhoutuo Rhutos gave out the award for the LaunchPad Best Teacher to Rhonbeni Kikon of GHSS Jotsoma and smart phone to Chichan of GHSS Chukitong, Wokha. The LaunchPad program would also award scholarships to selected students to pursue their graduation which will be fully sponsored.
The invocation was offered by Emmanuel Baptist Church Pastor Zakie Metha, while welcome note and closing remark was delivered by Ravolü Chüzho.
It may be noted that LaunchPad, a career guidance and employment skills development program designed for students pursuing their 12th standard in all GHSS across Nagaland, was initiated by the department of Youth Resources and Sports in partnership with YouthNet and supported by the department of School Education.