Chizami, may 30 (MExN): A Vocational Training Centre was inaugurated at NEN Resource Centre, Chizami by Murohu Chotso, Deputy Commissioner, Phek on May 30. It was attended by over 100 persons comprising of Village Councils, VDBs and Women Societies from the villages of Chizami, Sumi, Enhulumi, Thetsumi and Mesulumi, church leaders, youth and student leaders, and other dignitaries from the district.
The VTC construction was supported by an MPLADS fund of Dr. A.S Ganguly, former Member of Parliament, and Rajya Sabha, who sanctioned an amount of Rs. 15, 13,200 /- to North East Network in April 2015.
Addressing the gathering, Murohu Chotso, Deputy Commissioner, Phek said that vocational training centres have become crucial as employment in the public sector is becoming tougher. He added that building the skills of youth through vocational training and skill development centres will reduce the burden of unemployment. He encouraged parents and the youth to get trained through vocational courses in order that they become earners and not a mere consumer. While appreciating the generosity of Dr A.S Ganguly who financially supported the VTC, he acknowledged the dedication of the NEN team in making the VTC a reality and this, he said is a great achievement for the entire community.
Dr Monisha Behal Founder-Executive Director, NEN in her welcome address acknowledged the support and contribution of many well-wishers such as Dr. A.S Ganguly, and of the community since it started its work in Nagaland. She stated that the aim of establishing a centre was to bring about positive thinking, where creativity in diverse areas will be promoted and built, especially amongst young people.
Shyamal Mukherjee, Secretary to Dr A.S Ganguly in his short speech shared that the former MP has supported various projects across India through MPLADS, particularly focusing on four areas, i.e. education, women empowerment, sanitation and solar energy. He added that Dr. A.S Ganguly particularly wanted to support projects in the north east region, which he did through MPLADS and VTC Chizami is one of them.
Kekhro Tsuhah, President CRPO, said that vocational training centres are very important in both rural and urban context because it provides self employment. He highlighted the many skills that youths can acquire through such vocational training centres which will enable them to become self reliant.
Ananda Benerjee, Photographer- Journalist encouraged the youth to identify and use their creative talents, and to him ‘creativity is not confined to arts alone but encompasses the whole range of activities such as gardening, sustainable agriculture etc’.
Speaking on the occasion, Director of Life Sports Colo Mero lamented that communities unfortunately have the mindset in believing that government job is the real job which isn’t so. He pointed that the reason why our youths are not employable despite having degrees and certificates is because they lack the required skills and also due to absence of hard work and sustained commitment. In this regard he encouraged the youth to start dreaming beyond government jobs and government schemes.
The invocation prayer was pronounced by Rev. Mese Rhakho, Advisor, Chizami Baptist Church. Government Primary School, Chizami presented a welcome song. Chizami Students’ Union and women farmers of Sumi village also performed a special number and folk melody respectively.
