Shillong, Dec 21: The Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, Smt. R V Suchiang, IAS today felicitated the adolescent girls who had undergone the GAP Inc.’s Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement (P.A.C.E.) certified “Empowering Adolescent Girls with Transformational Certified Life Skills Training Programme” conducted by Meghalaya Institute of Governance (MIG) in association with Humara Bachpan Trust (BHT) and FICCI Ladies Organisation at MAMETI Hall, Upper Shillong.
The program was implemented in Sohiong, Mawphlang and Laitkroh blocks of East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya for girls between 11 to 17 years by providing a safe and fun learning experience to equipped them with life skills and knowledge to help maintain a happy and healthy life and feel empowered to protect themselves from threats, insults, abuse and to pursue their dreams. A total of 506 girls from 12 villages completed the program.
Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Smti RV Suchiang appreciated the efforts of the trainers and the organisations involved in disseminating the knowledge and training the adolescent girls with life skills to prepare themselves for the challenging world ahead. She also motivated the trainees to share and spread the knowledge gained from the training and be an inspiration to their family and friends.
Smt Isawanda Laloo IAS, Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills, who was the Guest of Honour, spoke on the need to extend this program to other areas of the state where in spite of being a matrilineal system, yet atrocities against girls are still prevalent in many forms. So, sending a girl for education is like educating the whole family.
Others who spoke were Smt. Dhariti Patnaik, Founder Chairperson of HBT, the Smt. Arpita Patnaik, Executive Director HBT and Shri. Aiban Swer, Director MIG.
Among others, the Rangbah Shnong of Laitkroh Block, the Principal and teachers of Ram Krishna Mission Secondary School, Mawrah, Presbyterian Secondary School, Mawbeh, Tlongumiam Secondary School, St. Joseph’s LP School, SSA LP School, Pyndenglitha Secondary School and Rev Thomas Jones Secondary School along with the ASHA and Anganwadi workers of their respective blocks, HBT members and MIG team also actively participated in the programme.
