Shillong, Dec 18: In its endeavour to provide sustainable livelihood among the unemployed youth of the region, the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) provided training in the making of hand crafted decorative candles to unemployed youth across the region.
Aimed at providing market linkage to the entrepreneurs and to meet the huge demand during the festive season of Christmas the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) organised the 1st ever Candle Fair at All Saints Cathedral Hall on Tuesday.
The four day candle fair aimed at showcasing hand crafted decorative candles made by the trainees of undergoing training at the candle making trade provided by the NEDFi to beneficiaries across the state.
The training here in the state of Meghalaya were conducted at Shillong, Jowai, Tura, Mawryngkneng and Mawkyndeng in Jaintia Hills District. Since 2009 NEDFi has conducted 21 training programmes throughout the region which have benefitted around 400 entrepreneurs.
All together 15 units from different parts of the region which includes Meghalaya, Nagaland, Namchi in Sikkim and Assam took part in the fair and showcasing their exclusive hand crafted candles.
Speaking at the occasion as the chief guest Secretary North Eastern Council UK Sangma lauded the initiatives taken by the NEDFi and urged upon them that such fair should be conducted annually.
“The fair opens a platform for those trainees who undergone training in making candles to showcase their skills”, Sangma said adding that such trade will benefit the beneficiaries who can even earn their livelihood out of it.
Meanwhile, SK Baruah, General Manager NEDFi highlighted the initiative of NEDFi and said that this activity is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of NEDFi.
“The five-day fair will provide an opportunity to the people of Shillong to interact with the entrepreneurs”, he assured. The five-day fair will culminate on December 22.
