Shillong, Jan 27: AVENUES concluded the inaugural workshops at its new APEX Academy in Nongrim Hills in Shillong, marking the 22nd edition of its annual winter workshops. Held from December 11, 2024, and January 6, 2025, the workshops engaged 82 children and teens aged 5 to 16 over two 15-day sessions.
The programme aimed to help participants build confidence, curiosity, and emotional well-being through activities tailored to their aspirations. Trainers with over 75 years of collective experience facilitated sessions focused on self-reflection, personal discovery, and life skills.
Young attendees shared how the workshops had impacted them. Jirevah M Swer, aged 13, took to the stage to share his programme experience, saying, “I’ve been coming to AVENUES since I was 6 years old. I remember the first time how I cried, but now I look forward to coming back each time.” He went on to share about his favourite session. “We explored different personas and my favourite was the Money Manager. It has taught me to be more mindful of how I spend my pocket money and to start managing my expenses. Each time I come here, I always learn something new,” he added.
Eliora T Kharkongor, aged 11, also shared her experience, saying, “When I came here on the first day, I was very shy. But by the 2nd and 3rd day, I started making friends and I became braver and more confident. I have never been like this in my life.” 7-year-old Tori Kyrpang Lyngdoh recounted activities like trekking, crafting bookmarks from natural materials, and exploring personas like the Scientist and Leader, which helped him become more outspoken.
Anthony Khongsit, a parent, had this to say, “There is much more to life than marks and scores. I am a police officer by profession, and I can say how mobile phone addiction is such an underrated menace. I have seen the change in my child since she reduced her screen time and started enjoying her time here. I can say, as a parent, that if you send your children here you will be very happy with the way they grow and develop within a short span of time.”
Another parent, Gargi Dutta, noted her children’s renewed interest in learning and reading. “They’ve become curious, reduced screen time, and are more confident in their interactions,” she said. Speaking about the curriculum, another parent, Gunjun Agarwal, added, “I love that it’s about bringing out more of the human element which is empathy, collaboration, resilience. That’s going to take our kids to their respective destinations.”
The workshops align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on nurturing 21st-century skills like empathy, resilience, collaboration, and critical thinking. The “Human Skills for the Future” framework bridges the gap between technical knowledge and essential life skills, preparing participants for the evolving challenges of modern life.
AVENUES, a Meghalaya-based social enterprise, has been driving youth engagement and well-being initiatives across North-East India for 22 years. The APEX Academy, its newest facility, offers year-round training in areas such as public speaking, critical thinking, STEM awareness, and emotional well-being.
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