By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 5: In what can be deemed a major milestone, SPARK has added more than 2,000 students who have completed Phase 2 of the programme across government and government-aided schools in Meghalaya.
According to a statement here, the closing ceremonies were held in Shillong, Samanda, Rongjeng, Dadenggre, Rymbai and Betasing, while Jirang and Patharkhmah are scheduled to conclude in the coming days.
“The programme, now in its second year, continues to strengthen confidence, clarity in expression, emotional awareness and kindness amongst school students,” it said.
At St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong, the ‘2025 SPARK Student Handbook’ and the first edition of the SPARK Newsletter Inside ARK were released.
“The Handbook serves as a steady learning companion, guiding students to express themselves clearly, reflect on their values and experiences, and build confidence over time. The Newsletter documents stories and mindset shifts from across participating campuses, highlighting how students are learning to collaborate and engage with understanding and empathy,” the statement said.
Speaking about the programme’s purpose and direction, State Project Director, SEMAM-SSA, Jagdish Chelani, emphasised that SPARK supports a deeper understanding of learning. ‘
“SPARK is about building the foundation for lifelong learning–where comprehension, communication, and compassion meet to prepare our students not just for exams, but for life,” he said.
Addressing the students in Shillong, Chelani reflected, “What you learn in school begins as education, but it becomes knowledge when you understand it through your teachers and experiences. And when you apply that knowledge with care and judgment, it becomes wisdom. That is the journey you are on.”
St. Mary’s principal, Sonia Chacko, highlighted the transformation among students. “The positive impact has been clearly visible in our classrooms. Students who once held back now speak with confidence, work together, and show empathy in the way they learn and interact. SPARK has helped them express themselves, handle challenges with resilience, and understand one another with greater compassion. These are the foundations of true education, and we are proud to see them grow in our students,” she said.
Across campuses, students shared personal experiences of growth and self-belief.
At Rymbai Government Higher Secondary School, Class X student Bornali Rabha said, “I used to be very quiet and afraid to speak. Through SPARK, I learned that confidence doesn’t mean being perfect—it means trying even when you are afraid. I no longer hide behind fear.”
Similarly, at St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong, Class X student Alfiba Ryntathiang reflected, “SPARK felt different. It made us look inward and think about who we are becoming. I realised that every word can carry depth when it comes from the heart. I used to be afraid to come forward, but today I chose to try. I know I have grown into a braver version of myself.”
Teachers, too, observed meaningful changes. Anthony A. Sangma, a teacher from Dadenggre, shared, “On the first day, many students were shy and nervous to speak. Over the course of SPARK, we saw real growth in their confidence and expression as they learned to support one another and step forward with courage.”
In addition to its communication and life-skilling modules, SPARK integrates a STEM-based experiential learning component that strengthens comprehension, reasoning, and applied learning. Through guided activities and real-life contexts, students explore how mathematical and scientific concepts connect to everyday life.
Class IX student Gitingra M. Sangma of Rongjeng RMSA Higher Secondary School said, “Before SPARK, I found Science and Mathematics difficult and didn’t see how they connected to daily life. Through the activities and discussions, I understood the concepts more easily and learned why they matter.”
Certification Days across campuses showcased how curiosity, discussion, and collaboration can make learning practical, enjoyable, and meaningful.
Daphishisha Kharhujon, Project Coordinator for SPARK at Avenues, highlighted the partnership-driven design of the programme. “SPARK is built to work with the classroom, not outside it. Teachers co-facilitate alongside trainers, and it is their presence and daily practice that sustain the learning. When classrooms feel safe and inclusive, students find the courage to express, listen, and understand one another,” she said.
Jasmine PS Laitphlang, Head of Academics and Training at Avenues, added, “SPARK is built on the belief that confidence, comprehension, and kindness are teachable, life-shaping skills.”
Phase 2 of SPARK was implemented across St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School (Shillong), Rongjeng Government Upper Primary School, Rongjeng RMSA Higher Secondary School, Dadenggre Government Higher Secondary School, Rymbai Government Higher Secondary School, Chiringpara RMSA Secondary School (Betasing), and Rongrenggiri Government Higher Secondary School (Samanda), with Jirang Government Secondary School and Patharkhmah Government Higher Secondary School to follow soon.
