By Willie Gordon Suting
Seng Teilang Kynthei, a social organisation in Laban, has come a long way since its establishment on November 24, 1979, when Shillong was in the grip of violent protests.A group of women decided to set up Seng Teilang at a time when communal violence had engendered socio-economic instability and rampant unemployment.One of Seng Teilang Kynthei’s biggest achievements so far is the Vocational Training Centre near Red Cross Point established in 2002. The centre facilitates training in embroidery, tailoring and knitting for young women.The motto of the organisation is to raise the standard of living, improve general health of the people, foster education and raise the economy of the locality. It believes that through education, people will be benefitted to learn to protect themselves from common ailments and to a certain extent prevent poverty and hunger.With many unemployed female youths in the city, the Vocational Training Centre seeks to bring forth change. The one-year course is designed to encourage young women to start small businesses.The small building painted in light yellow has an aura of quietness about it that is unlike the busy neighbourhood. Upon entering, one witnesses a similar calmness. Trainees quietly practise the art of knitting different designs.Albina Lyngkhoi, the sole instructor, told Sunday Shillong that most of the clothes produced were sold out. “Women come here because they know getting a job is difficult these days. Employment is generated through this vocation,” she says.The over 60 students are divided into three batches a day. For students or working professionals, the training centre arranges convenient timings. There are college goers too among the trainees.NMB Khonglam, president of the organisation, says students also come from far-off places like Pynursla, Nongstoin, Mawngap, Smit and Jongksha.A certificate is given after completion of practical and theory course. With the government’s assistance, the students receive monthly stipend, and can also apply for government schemes.Many like Labelcy Kurbah and Lahun Khonglam who passed out are successfully running tailoring shops and are also teaching in institutes. Kurbah has a shop in Mawngap and Khonglam in Mawlynnong.Seng Teilang Kynthei has managed to provide 15 sewing machines and one embroidery machine. With development of new machines, the organisation plans to purchase them. The organisation plans to work with Laban MLA Sanbor Shullai.Lyngkhoi says it is a great initiative by the organisation to solve unemployment problem. “Here, students feel encouraged, and a bond is developed,” she says, adding, “I love teaching as I passed out from here. And the students are doing well with their careers.”Iba Rumnong says she learned the many intricacies of embroidery. “Sewing different types of clothes is not easy. But I learned many things at the institute,” she says.The 28-year-old who recently passed out says Lyngkhoi had taught her valuable things which she will utilise when starting a business. Rumnong is making clothes from home and has applied for government scheme.Similar is the case of Riolyne Snaimih who passed out last year. She had applied for a government scheme, of which she is still awaiting response. She is taking orders from home, and wants to learn how to use electric sewing machine. “Whatever I learned helped me a lot. It is a great effort by the organisation,” Snaimih says.Seng Teilang recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with the promise to expand its services to more women from economically backward families.The organisation also has a crèche that was established in 1982. It helps working parents to keep their children in the place.Women empowerment can be achieved in various ways. But the training centre that is women-oriented is a beacon to society. Youths are shown a career path. They are directed to improve their livelihood by earning through their vocation. The women-oriented organisation helps in fostering economic development in society.