Launchpad Education & Career Fair held in Kohima

KOHIMA — With an objective to help the students develop soft skill, motivate them to pursue higher studies, encourage them to explore avenues beyond traditional jobs and plan their career based on their ability and interest, Launchpad Education & Career Fair 2023 was held at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima on Friday.

The event was initiated by the department of Youth Resources and Sports in partnership with YouthNet and supported by the department of School Education for students who have recently appeared their HSSLC examination.

Speaking on the occasion, the advisor of Industries and Commerce and the guest of honour, Hekani Jakhalu, said her objective was to work for the young people and the future generation and added that the objective of forming YouthNet was to address the issue of unemployment.

She advised the students not to look for short cuts and not to stop learning stating that the more one learns, it pushes one to grow more. She further reminded the students that hard work is the only key to success.

MLA Dr. Tsielhoutuo Rhutso advised the students not be job seekers by be job providers. He encouraged them to equip themselves with skills for self-employment.

Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner of Kohima, Shanavas C, motivated the students to dream and choose their career wisely. He advised the students to have study and career groups and also effectively utilise internet service to learn. He further encouraged the students to come out of their comfort zone, take risks in order to be successful and happy in what they do.

Also speaking on the occasion the principal director of School Education, Thavaseelan K, while emphasising on the importance of learning, pointed out that knowledge is the edge that would enable one to put one’s head up among many. He advised the students to identify their interest and to look at entrepreneurship seriously to be job creators to help the society at large.

Akumla Chuba, director of Youth Resources and Sports, said LaunchPad is a programme dear to the heart of the department as it is working towards the development of youth. She informed that Launchpad programme was conceptualised in 2020 and kick started in April 2020. She added that it is a career guidance and employability skills development programme for the students pursuing their class 12 in all 44 Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) across Nagaland.

She informed that the programme has successfully covered 300 students out of the total 3394 enrollment in the first year (2020-21). In the second year (2021-22), it has set target to enroll 3397 students.

The director exuded hope that the programme would empower the youth to face the future with more confidence and become valuable assets to the society.

Awards

Launchpad Awards for the best school was awarded to GHSS Tseminyu by Hekani Jakhalu, while Launchpad best teacher was presented to Rhonbeni Kikon of GHSS Jotsoma and Smart Phone to Chichan of GHSS Chukitong in Wokha by Dr. Tsielhoutuo Rhutso.