From Our Correspondent
BAGHMARA, Aug 5: Education department initiative SPARK (School Programmes in Articulation, Resilience and Kindness), concluded successfully at Baghmara Government Higher Secondary School on Friday with over 200 students being felicitated for completing the 10-day workshop, designed to impart essential soft skills such as self-worth, confidence, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and emotional well-being.
A project by the Education department and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the SPARK programme was held under rare sunny skies following weeks of intense rain and humidity, adding to the celebratory mood.
Dhonbirth W Momin, a Class 10 student, shared his gratitude: “I’ve never had the chance to speak in front of so many people like this before. Thanks to my Trainer, I feel more comfortable facing my fears and dealing with peer pressure.”
Ambachedo S Marak, a Class 8 student, echoed similar sentiments, expressing how the programme had boosted her public speaking confidence. “SPARK has taught me the steps needed to build my confidence. I am grateful for this opportunity,” she said.
Preny M Sangma, MCS, District School Education Officer, South Garo Hills, praised the students’ progress, urging them to continue practising the skills they had learned. “Now that you have learnt how to build your confidence, always aim for excellence,” she encouraged.
A highlight of the event was the STEM presentation, where students showcased projects like miniature models of bridges and towers. These sessions aimed to ignite curiosity and reduce the fear often associated with subjects like Maths and Science.
KK Paul, Principal of Baghmara Government Higher Secondary School, and members of the implementing agency AVENUES along with school staff, attended the programme.
SPARK initiative seeks to impart core soft skills that have emerged as critical needs for the youth of the state. The modules help build self-worth and confidence, interpersonal skills, critical thinking and emotional wellbeing. The training interventions commenced in April and, since then, teams have been deployed in schools across districts. Till date, nearly 2,000 students in 11 campuses across districts have been impacted by the programme.
Training interventions in remaining districts will commence in the coming week.