Shillong, April 23: In a powerful step towards building confidence, aspiration, and resilience amongst adolescent youth, the East Jaintia Hills District Administration successfully concluded the “ia ka Mynried” programme, reaching 2,429 students across 13 schools from December 2024 to April 2025.
Aimed at addressing substance abuse while nurturing vital life skills in adolescents, the initiative is sponsored by the District Mineral Foundation and implemented by Avenues.
Two key certification events were recently held at Good Shepherd Higher Secondary School, Lad Rymbai and Sein Jait Tuber Higher Secondary School, Tuberkmai Shnong, where 346 and 262 students respectively completed the 24-hour soft skills and wellbeing programme.
Largest Youth Engagement Under DMF in Meghalaya
Addressing students at the event in Tuberkmai Shnong, Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills district, Shivansh Awasthi, said, “What began as a humble concept has become the largest youth initiative under the District Mineral Fund in the state’s history. The ia ka Mynried Winter Camps were designed to go beyond textbooks and help our young people build the skills that truly matter—confidence, communication, teamwork, and emotional awareness. In a world where information is at our fingertips, it is these human qualities that set us apart.”
He urged the students to carry forward the values of self-belief, resilience, and saying no to anything that harms their well-being. He further hoped the programme continues to reach more students across the district with experiences that help them grow, connect, and thrive.
He further noted that this initiative extends the Chief Minister’s DREAM vision for a drug-free Meghalaya, translated into action through immersive, values-based learning.
A Structured, Impactful Approach
Each camp included modules on communication, wellbeing, and talent, integrating storytelling, habit-building, and talent showcases to enhance public speaking, emotional intelligence, and self-expression.
A key feature of every certification ceremony was the Wellbeing Pledge, where students committed to a drug-free life. Select participants shared heartfelt testimonials and took to the stage to perform, reflecting on their personal growth and lessons learned.
Class 12 student Welborn Phawa shared, “One thing I’ve really taken from this camp is the value of hard work and respect. We’ve learned not just how to express ourselves, but how to respect our elders, our teachers, and each other. We also learnt about practising healthy coping habits and how to care for our environment. This camp has made me more confident, more aware, and more committed to making good choices in life. I’m truly grateful to the District Administration and Avenues for giving us this opportunity.”
Arun Kumar, Principal of Sein Jait Tuber Higher Secondary School, said, “Many see this as an extracurricular initiative, but it is 100% academic in nature. The values and skills gained align closely with our school’s mission. This programme has enriched our students not only intellectually, but also in character and confidence. I sincerely thank the District Administration and the entire Avenues team for their vision, dedication, and for bringing such a transformative learning experience to our school.”
Mark Laitflang Stone, Founder & CEO of Avenues, highlighted the scale and soul of the initiative. “The impact of these camps is not measured only in numbers or vocabulary. True success is seen in the way a young person begins to believe in their future. We saw that belief in your voices, in your eyes, and in the way you stood tall through these sessions,” he expressed.
True to its name, “ia ka Mynried” – which translates from Pnar as for a better tomorrow – the programme enabled students to explore their strengths, make informed life choices, and gain confidence in expressing themselves, both as individuals and as members of their communities.
Since its commencement on 11th December 2024 in Khliehriat, the “ia ka Mynried” programme has been conducted for 13 schools in East Jaintia Hills District, namely, Khliehriat Higher Secondary School, Rymbai Government Secondary School, Jalaphet Circle Upper Primary School, Jalaphet Upper Primary School, Narwan Upper Primary & Secondary School, Tluh Upper Primary School, Sacred Heart Upper Primary School, K.B Memorial Secondary School, Sacred Heart Secondary School, St. Peter’s Secondary School, Byndihati Secondary School, Good Shepherd Higher Secondary School and Sein Jait Tuber Higher Secondary School.
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