Keystone Education Society, Dimapur organised a vocational skills & livelihood awareness camp on August 8.
Dimapur, August 8 (MExN): A vocational skills & livelihood awareness camp was organised by Keystone Education Society, Dimapur on August 8, with the aim at empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) through enhanced access to vocational training, employability, financial inclusion, and sustainable livelihood pathways.
The programme brought together PwDs, government officials, representatives from financial institutions, resource persons, entrepreneurs, community organisations, and other stakeholders committed to promoting an inclusive and accessible society. “The initiative focused on enabling participants to explore opportunities for skill development, employment, self-employment, entrepreneurship, and independent living with dignity,” a press release stated here.
The camp was inaugurated with a keynote address by Tongpang L Jamir, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, who highlighted the importance of inclusive development and ensuring equal access to opportunities for PwDs.
The inaugural session was followed by three technical sessions covering key aspects of employment, financial inclusion, and livelihood development.
Cheenu Singh from the National Career Service Centre for Differently Abled (NCSCDA) spoke on Employment Opportunities and Career Planning for PwDs, providing participants with insights into career pathways, employment opportunities, and available support mechanisms.
Representatives from the State Bank of India, Regional Business Office, Dimapur, Bikash Rai and Alila Ozukum addressed Financial Inclusion, Accessible Banking, and Credit Facilities for Self-Employment, highlighting the importance of accessible financial services and credit support in enabling PwDs to pursue self-employment and entrepreneurial activities.
Yimok Phom, Additional District Programme Manager, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Dimapur, shared insights on Self-Employment and Livelihood Opportunities under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), familiarising participants with livelihood opportunities and government-supported programmes.
A major highlight of the camp was the Vocational Skills and Livelihood Exploration Session, which provided participants with an opportunity to directly interact with facilitators, entrepreneurs, and practitioners while gaining exposure to different vocational skills, products, services, and entrepreneurial possibilities.
Facilitators from Jan Shikshan Sansthan introduced vocational training opportunities in areas including embroidery, tailoring, and information technology. Zeliang CodeTech presented on digital transformation and deep technology, highlighting how innovation and emerging technologies can be leveraged to promote greater accessibility and inclusion for PwDs.
The team also demonstrated their range of technology-based products, showcasing practical solutions designed with accessibility in mind. The live demonstrations helped participants understand how digital tools and innovative technologies can support independence, participation, and improved access to opportunities for PwDs.
The session also featured Inaholi Zhimomi of Craftycrochet, who showcased crochet-based products and shared insights into creative entrepreneurship, and Tasensola Imsong of The D Baker, who spoke about her entrepreneurial journey in baking and small-business development.
Ensuring accessibility remained a key priority throughout the programme, with interpretation services provided in Indian Sign Language (ISL) and American Sign Language (ASL) to facilitate the full participation of attendees.
Participants from various institutions and organisations, including Deaf Biblical Ministry, Exodus Disabled People’s Organization, Prodigals’ Home, and Angel Home, attended the programme.
