DIMAPUR: A ten-day training programme on baking and confectionery was inaugurated at the Multi Training Centre (MTC), Kohima, with the aim of equipping youth and women with skills for livelihood and entrepreneurship on Monday.
The programme is being conducted in collaboration with the department of Women Resource Development (WRD) and funded by advisor, CAWD, Kudecho Khamo, under the Local Area Development Fund (LADF).
Addressing the gathering as special guest, Vahine Thisa, retired principal director of Treasuries and Accounts, lauded the WRD department for providing skill development opportunities, particularly to women, and appreciated Khamo for initiating the programme for the benefit of his constituency. She stressed the importance of skill development in addressing employment challenges and described baking and confectionery as trades with significant livelihood potential.
She further noted that the training was being provided free of cost through departmental collaboration, and encouraged trainees to approach the programme with determination, dedication and discipline, making effective use of their skills and talents to build sustainable livelihoods. She added that baking and confectionery offered year round opportunities, with demand arising from weddings, birthdays, celebrations and everyday consumption.
Delivering the keynote address, Hukupa Ciekhan, PA to advisor Khamo, stated that the initiative was conceived to empower youth and women to become self reliant rather than remain dependent. He emphasised that baking involved more than following recipes, requiring passion, creativity, discipline and punctuality, and encouraged trainees to adopt an entrepreneurial outlook rather than limiting their goal to obtaining certificates.
