Attendees of the 3rd Cultural and Literary Day Programme of the Department of Social Work St Joseph University (SJU) Chümoukedima on September 10. (Photo Courtesy: SJU)
Chümoukedima, September 10 (MExN): St Joseph University (SJU) Chümoukedima organised the “SJU Conference 2024 on Skill Development and Internship” and a Cultural and Literary Day on September 9 and 10, respectively.
According to a press release from SJU, the Department of Political Science, in collaboration with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and the NETRA Foundation, conducted the “SJU Conference 2024 on Skill Development and Internship”. The resource persons for the conference were Er. Alongse Sangtam, Joint Director, and Menguzelie Suhu, Assistant Project Officer at the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship.
Heads of institutions, convenors, and members of Skill Development from St. John College, Unity College, C-Edge College, Dimapur Government College, Mount Mary College, Modern College, City College of Arts and Commerce, Eastern Christian College, as well as Heads of Departments of Botany, Chemistry, Social Work, Psychology, and Counselling (SJU), attended the event.
The conference served as a platform for the exchange of ideas and practices on the implementation and challenges faced by educational institutions in skill development and internships under the National Educational Policy 2020 framework, an SJU release informed.
During the conference, attendees were divided into groups to discuss and explore effective approaches to skill development and internship implementation within institutions to address the skills gap, internship opportunities, and bridge the gap between academic learning and industry. Representatives from each group highlighted the nature of skill development and internships undertaken by institutions to enhance students’ employability and growth, and shared the challenges faced.
A question and answer session with the resource persons was conducted as part of the conference, facilitating group-wise discussions and queries.
Based on the presentations and questions, the resource persons shared valuable insights and information on how the government has undertaken various projects with different institutions and agencies to promote skill development and enhance employability, particularly for youths, by focusing on skill-building initiatives and internship programmes, the release added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Work at SJU held its 3rd Cultural and Literary Day Programme on September 10, with the theme “Igniting Culture”. The purpose of the event was to help students remain connected with rich cultural values, customs, and traditions by organising cultural performances, as well as providing a forum to showcase their abilities and polish their communication skills and critical thinking.
Guest speaker Ahimsa Zhimo, Founder of Beyond Cancer and a social worker and former President of the Sumi Women’s Organisation, highlighted how culture plays an important role in shaping society.
She stressed the significance and importance of culture and stated that, as one’s identity, it should not only be appreciated, loved, or practised but cultivated in one’s heart and mind.
Zhimo also reminded students to be aware of cultural erosion and encouraged them to work towards a better society and community.
The day also featured various competitions, including debate, documentary video, painting, folk song, folk drama, folk dance, Mr and Miss Ethnic, spinning the top, bamboo walking, fire making, and tug of war.
