By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Friday laid the foundation stone of the Vendrame Institute of Rural Training and Animation at Mawpdang, Shillong in the presence of the Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Charles Pyngrope.
It may be mentioned that the Institute is being established by the Selesian Congregation of Don Bosco in honour of Fr Constantine Vendrame, an Italian priest who had worked in the Khasi Hills from 1924 to 1967.
The main objective of the institute is to provide job oriented education to the youth of the area, agricultural training to the local farmers, education to school drop outs, provide awareness on social issues among others.
The institute will be looked after by the Don Bosco Reach Out in collaboration with the local dorbar of Mawpdang.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sangma said such an institute would augment the efforts of the Government in ensuring livelihood in the rural areas. He said the institute would transform the whole approach towards providing livelihood assistance to the people.
Dr Sangma said that the State Government would like to partner with such institutes so as to develop a society of skilled entrepreneurs and all possible support will be provided by the Government. He said that the institute is in line with the programme of the government in its efforts of providing livelihood opportunities to the people through the Integrated Basin Development & Livelihood Programme.
Dr Sangma assured the people of Mawpdang to provide assistance in the areas of Agriculture and particularly in road connectivity.
Among others who spoke on the occasion include Pyngrope and the Archbishop Dominic Jala.
