Nongpoh: The extension college of St Mary’s College was unveiled in a foundation stone ceremony by Education Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui held at Syllei U Lar in Ri Bhoi district on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering, Rymbui lauded the initiative taken by the governing body of St. Mary’s College to set up an extension of the college in Ri Bhoi which is indeed a great blessing to the student community of the district and the state as a whole.
He also said that the government alone cannot do much but with the help of different churches, NGOs and companies in setting up colleges and schools, the student community in rural areas will benefit in getting quality education.
Meanwhile local legislator from Umroi, George B Lyngdoh who has been instrumental in the process of setting up this college along with the Sisters of the RNDM in his speech express great joy that Umroi area, finally has its own college.
He informed that this institute will be setup within a timeframe of three years. It will have a community college, vocational training center and it will be co-ed, offering various course in under graduate and post graduate courses.
The Umroi MLA further said that this college is the need of the hour. Students passing from around 200 schools in Umroi pursing higher education will benefit from this institute. He also said that with this initiative, more avenues for students will come up, so that they can stand on their own feet without having the need to find for government jobs.
Meanwhile, Lyngdoh also handed over a work order of Rs 10 lakh from the MLA scheme to the Principal of St. Mary’s College, Dr Sr Mary Harriet as contributions towards construction of the new college. The foundation stone laying ceremony was also blessed by Most Rev Dominic Jala with a prayer.
The ceremony was also attended by Rev Sr Mildred Khongngain from Provincial India, NE Province, Dr Sr Mary Harriet, Principal of St. Mary’s College, Shillong, teachers and students of St. Mary’s College Shillong, traditional heads of Raid Mawbuh, headmen of various villages and the local residents.
