By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 29: Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) on Thursday held a graduation ceremony for its certificate course in Self-Efficacy for Personal Agency (SEPA), marking the completion of a 200-hour faculty development programme.
The six-month programme was conducted by Ottilie Anban, Founder and Director of Evolve Lives Foundation, and Dr. Gideon Arulmani, Director of the Promise Foundation.
SEPA was developed in response to global labor trends identified by organisations like the World Economic Forum (WEF), which suggest that 40% of core workforce skills will be obsolete by 2030. The course focuses on “human-centric” skills—such as adaptability and personal agency—that are difficult for AI to replicate.
Chief guest and Editor of The Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim, highlighted the importance of self-efficacy in professional life. She encouraged young people to express their views confidently and engage with media platforms, noting that self-efficacy at the grassroots level is essential for building an empowered society.
Lead facilitator Ottilie Anban reported that pre- and post-course evaluations showed an average improvement of nearly 40 percentage points in participants’ measures of self-efficacy.
She urged educators to shift from static knowledge systems to human-centric capabilities, stating, “When faculty grow, universities evolve and have an impact locally, nationally, and globally.”
Dr. Gideon Arulmani emphasized that the impact of the programme should extend to strengthening academic culture and mentorship ecosystems. Similarly, MLCU Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Iwamon Wara Joyce Laloo linked self-efficacy to analytical thinking and innovation, citing these as top skills for the future.
Participants, including Dr Nadeen Pakyntein, Kali Sema, and Khriekezhanuo Kezo, shared testimonies on how the programme enhanced their effectiveness as educators and leaders.
The ceremony was attended by MLCU Pro Chancellor Rev. (Dr) Samuel W Meshack, Registrar Dr Iadonlang Tynsong, and other senior university officials.
