SHILLONG, July 26: A total of 1,476 students were awarded certificates during the SPARK for Students Certification Events held across 10 campuses in Meghalaya on July 24 and 25, marking the successful completion of Phase 5 of the programme’s campus rollout.
The certification events celebrated not only the completion of the programme by the students but also the confidence, participation and self-belief they had developed through the initiative.
The milestone marks another important chapter for SPARK Meghalaya (School Programmes in Articulation, Resilience and Kindness), a flagship initiative of the Education department, implemented by Avenues.
The programme comprises three interconnected components—SPARK for Students, SPARK for Teachers and SPARK Events—aimed at building students’ confidence and classroom participation, equipping teachers with sustainable classroom practices and providing platforms for students to showcase their talents.
The programme has now reached 10,424 students across 45 campuses and is progressing towards its annual target of 10,750 students across 50 campuses. It has also engaged 281 teachers through classroom observation and habit-building under SPARK for Students, while 446 teachers from 242 schools have participated in SPARK for Teachers to strengthen classroom engagement and teaching practices.
Among those sharing their experiences was Class IX student Erika Nongrum of Maurice Patrick King Memorial Higher Secondary School, East Khasi Hills.
“Before SPARK, whenever I was asked a question in class, I was always afraid of answering because I thought I would make mistakes. But after attending SPARK, I learned that perfection is not about always giving the right answer. If we make mistakes, it is okay, because we can learn from them and become better. SPARK has helped me become a more confident and disciplined student,” she said.
At Langtor Higher Secondary School in Eastern West Khasi Hills, Class IX student Phibaribha Kharjahrin said the programme’s STEM sessions had changed the way she viewed Science and Mathematics.
“I used to find Science and Mathematics difficult to understand, but after the STEM sessions, I realised that Science and Mathematics can also be learned in a fun and interesting way. The activities helped me understand concepts differently, and I realised that what looked like magic was actually science,” she said.
The programme has also made an impact among educators through SPARK for Teachers, which equips teachers with practical approaches to strengthen classroom engagement and sustain SPARK practices after the student interventions conclude.
Rangkynsai Wahlang, Assistant Teacher at Umsong Upper Primary School and a participant in the programme, said, “One of the most important lessons I learned was the importance of using positive signals as a teacher. Sometimes we bring our moods into the classroom without realising how they affect our students. I learned that something as simple as a smile can create a positive environment for learning. The programme also reminded me that teaching does not end with delivering lessons—we are educators, mentors, role models, and facilitators. Our responsibility is to inspire our students, shape young minds and help them become responsible and productive citizens.”
Beyond classroom interventions, SPARK Events has created opportunities for students to showcase their talents.
Across Meghalaya, 59 campus talent showcases have identified 188 student talent acts, with selected performers progressing to district-level showcases and the SPARK State Summit. During the certification events, the best performers from each campus presented music, dance, art and craft, public speaking and other creative performances.
Speaking at Nongtalang Government Higher Secondary School in West Jaintia Hills, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui highlighted the importance of self-discovery and confidence.
“The difference is that you begin to discover who you are. Every individual has so many hidden strengths and talents, but unless you discover yourself, you will never know them. Fear of failure, fear that somebody will laugh at you, or fear that you may not succeed often stops you from bringing out the talent that is inside you. That is why this programme is important. It helps you get rid of that fear, become more confident, and discover your strengths. Along with education, you must continue to develop your skills, develop your character, and above all, be a good human being,” he said.
At Greenyard Higher Secondary School in East Garo Hills, Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak stressed that confidence, communication, discipline and resilience are as important as academic performance.
The Phase 5 certification events were held across 10 campuses in East Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, North Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills.
