SHILLONG, June 3: More than 1,100 secondary, higher secondary and college students were imparted soft skills during SPARK camps across four campuses in Tikrikilla, Bhaitbari and Phulbari regions of West Garo Hills.
According to a statement here, the camps, held between April and May, saw 63% female participation across age groups spanning from ages 15 to over 28.
“Launched through a collaboration between the West Garo Hills district administration and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), the SPARK Camps mark a significant stride towards inclusive youth development in the region. The programme is grounded in the belief that personal growth is the cornerstone of life readiness—and that even in remote areas with limited exposure to such interventions, young learners deserve the chance to explore their potential in a safe, engaging and culturally responsive environment,” the statement said.
At the heart of each camp was PATH—an experiential anchor standing for Purpose, Aspiration, Truth, and Hope. “Student participants were divided into four groups, each assigned a letter from PATH. Using design thinking elements and collaborative reflection, participants explored their theme through creative expression. Daily activities included vocal drills, public speaking basics, and introspective practices — enabling students not just to find their voice, but to use it meaningfully,” the statement said.
Following the culmination of training, certification events were held at Bhaitbari Higher Secondary School, Bhaitbari, and Jawaharlal Nehru Higher Secondary School, Phulbari, on May 30 and 31 respectively.
The event in Phulbari was attended by West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Agarwal as the chief guest, who, in his address, commended the team of Avenues for imparting training to the students.
“The output, energy, and enthusiasm I have seen at every SPARK Camp are constant—the only thing that changes is the location. That speaks volumes about the consistency and impact of this programme. Confidence and clarity are not always taught in classrooms, but they’re critical to how we navigate the world,” he said.
Principals and teachers also observed noticeable shifts in student participation and self-expression. “There was a lightness in how students were speaking by the end less fear, more clarity,” noted Ismat Ara Begum, principal of Jawaharlal Nehru Higher Secondary School, Phulbari.
“We saw students who had never raised their hand in class, standing up to speak in front of hundreds. This camp has helped build their confidence and essential life skills,” Begum added.
Meanwhile, Mridula Karmakar, Class 12 Arts, Jawaharlal Nehru Higher Secondary School, shared her experience. “At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but SPARK helped me gain confidence. Now, I can speak confidently in front of others. I’m grateful to the district administration for this opportunity,” Karmakar shared.
From Jawaharlal Nehru Higher Secondary School, Shafiul Rahman, Class 11 Science, reflected, “Before SPARK, I was the kind of student who hid behind my notebook, afraid to speak. This programme helped me discover my voice and taught me resilience and kindness.”
Sharjina Yesmin, Class 11 Science, Jawaharlal Nehru Higher Secondary School, said, “SPARK taught me that confidence is key. Even if one path doesn’t work out, there are many others. I now say, ‘Yes, I can do it.’”
Younger students, too, shared their experiences from the training programme.
“Before SPARK, I was scared to speak in front of people. This camp gave me the courage to express myself and work as part of a team,” Ummi Habiba, Class 10 student of Bhaitbari Higher Secondary School, said.
Similarly, Junaid Islam, Class 10 student of Bhaitbari Higher Secondary School, explained, “The SPARK team showed us how to greet others, smile meaningfully, and speak with confidence. Through PATH, we found direction, and we also learned about financial literacy.”
