Initiative reaches 2,429 students across 13 schools in the district
KHLIEHRIAT, April 22: In a powerful step towards building confidence, aspiration, and resilience amongst adolescent youth, the East Jaintia Hills district administration successfully concluded the “ia ka Mynried” series of school-based training camps, reaching 2,429 students across 13 schools from December 2024 to April 2025. The initiative, which aims to address substance abuse while nurturing vital soft skills among adolescents, is sponsored by the District Mineral Foundation.
Two key certification events were held in April at Good Shepherd Higher Secondary School, Lad Rymbai and Sein Jait Tuber Higher Secondary School, Tuberkmai Shnong, where 346 and 262 students respectively completed the 24-hour soft skills and wellbeing programme. Each camp included modules on communication, wellbeing, and talent, integrating storytelling, habit-building, and talent showcases to enhance public speaking, emotional intelligence, and self-expression.
Addressing students at the final event in Tuberkmai Shnong on April 17, East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi said, “The ia ka Mynried winter camps were designed to go beyond textbooks and help our young people build the skills that truly matter — confidence, communication, teamwork, and emotional awareness. In a world where information is at our fingertips, it is these human qualities that set us apart. I urge every student to carry forward the values of self-belief, resilience, and saying no to anything that harms their well-being. I believe the impact of these programmes will last a lifetime. I’m grateful to the implementation agency, Avenues, for their dedication in making this programme a success, and I hope we can continue to reach more students across the district with experiences that help them grow, connect, and thrive.”
He further noted that this initiative extends Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s vision for a drug-free Meghalaya, translated into action through immersive, values-based learning. The project is inspired by Meghalaya’s Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM).
A key feature of the certification ceremonies conducted across all participating schools was the Wellbeing Pledge, where students committed to a drug-free life.
Select participants shared heartfelt testimonials and took to the stage to perform, reflecting on their personal growth and lessons learned.
Welborn Phawa, Class 12, shared: “One thing I’ve really taken from this camp is the value of hard work and respect. We’ve learned not just how to express ourselves, but how to respect our elders, our teachers, and each other. We also learnt about practising healthy coping habits and how to care for our environment. This camp has made me more confident, more aware, and more committed to making good choices in life. I’m truly grateful to the District Administration for giving us this opportunity.”
Arun Kumar, Principal of Sein Jait Tuber Higher Secondary School, said,
“Many see this as an extracurricular initiative, but it is 100% academic in nature. The values and skills gained align closely with our school’s mission. This programme has enriched our students not only intellectually, but also in character and confidence. I sincerely thank the District Administration and the entire Avenues team for their vision, dedication, and for bringing such a transformative learning experience to our school.”
True to its name, ‘ia ka Mynried’, which translates from Pnar to “for a better tomorrow”, the programme enabled students to explore their strengths, make informed life choices, and gain confidence in expressing themselves, both as individuals and as members of their communities.
Since its commencement on December 11, 2024, in Khliehriat, the ‘ia ka Mynried’ series has been conducted for 13 schools in East Jaintia Hills namely, Khliehriat Higher Secondary School, Rymbai Government Secondary School, Jalaphet Circle Upper Primary School, Jalaphet Upper Primary School, Narwan Upper Primary & Secondary School, Tluh Upper Primary School, Sacred Heart Upper Primary School, K.B Memorial Secondary School, Sacred Heart Secondary School, St. Peter’s Secondary School, Byndihati Secondary School, Good Shepherd Higher Secondary School and Sein Jait Tuber Higher Secondary School.