Can Youth celebrates 15 years of youth empowerment

Can Youth celebrated its 15th anniversary on Friday at its office in Ragailong Colony, Dimapur, under the theme “We fail, we rise: A story of strength and growth.” The event marked a significant milestone in the organization’s journey of empowering youth through resilience, mentorship, and community engagement.
Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) chairman, Hukheto Yepthomi, graced the occasion as special guest, while Bosco Institute, Jorhat, director, Fr. Jerry Tom attended as guest of honour. In his address, Hukheto lauded Can Youth’s transformative impact on thousands of young lives across the region. He acknowledged the organization’s dedication to offering second chances through focused programs and interventions. Reflecting on the challenges faced by today’s youth, he emphasized the importance of organizations like Can Youth in bridging gaps through guidance and meaningful engagement. He expressed hope that Can Youth would continue to inspire and empower youth in the years ahead.
Founder and Chief Functionary of Can Youth, Jenpu Rongmei Rhakho, delivered the keynote address, sharing the personal motivation behind the organization’s inception. He recounted the loss of his brother to drug addiction, which became the turning point in his life and inspired him to help youth facing similar struggles. Despite initial rejection from institutions and limited resources, Rhakho remained committed to his mission of serving marginalized youth.
He reaffirmed Can Youth’s dedication to addressing substance use and promoting resilience among young people. Rhakho also highlighted a recent achievement—training 200 youth from Dimapur and Chümoukedima districts as first responders in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), strengthening local preparedness and youth participation.
Fr. Jerry Tom, emphasized the need to prioritize emotional growth alongside academic achievement. He encouraged society to create platforms for young people to express their feelings constructively, noting that pain can be a source of vision. He called for collective support in guiding youth and extended best wishes to Can Youth for its continued efforts. Other highlights included exhortations from GB Union Dimapur president Kholie Kapfo, DMC councillor Neingutuolie Kenguruse, Can Youth advisor Akeina Gonmei, and Entrepreneur School of Business founder/CEO Lezo Putsure.
The programme was chaired by Peren Touch founder Vitono Haralu, with invocation by Pastor Benjamin Sumi (Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church), welcome address by board member Kilentola Jamir, and a special number by Rock School London distinctioner Gaichungpou Kamei. Vote of thanks was delivered by Can Youth ambassador and social entrepreneur Vezito Tetseo, followed by benediction from Pouhourie Gangmei (Rongmei Baptist Church, Chümoukedima).