Shillong, June 7: The SPARK Camps, a transformative 12-day program focused on self-belief, communication, and purpose, have successfully concluded across four campuses in West Garo Hills, specifically in the Tikrikilla, Bhaitbari, and Phulbari regions.
Conducted throughout April and May 2025, these camps collectively impacted over 1,100 secondary, higher secondary, and college students, with female participants accounting for a notable 63% across all age groups (15 to over 28).
A collaborative initiative between the West Garo Hills District Administration and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), the SPARK Camps represent a significant step towards fostering inclusive youth development in the area. The program is built on the philosophy that personal growth is fundamental to preparing for life, asserting that even young learners in remote areas with limited exposure to such interventions deserve opportunities to explore their potential in a supportive, engaging, and culturally relevant setting.
Central to each camp was the experiential framework called PATH, an acronym for Purpose, Aspiration, Truth, and Hope. Students were divided into four groups, each exploring one of the PATH themes through design thinking elements and collaborative creative expression. Daily activities included vocal exercises, fundamental public speaking skills, and introspective practices, enabling participants to not only discover their voice but also to use it effectively.
Certification ceremonies were held at Bhaitbari Higher Secondary School (May 30) and Jawaharlal Nehru Higher Secondary School, Phulbari (May 31). Vibhor Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, attended the Phulbari event as Chief Guest. Addressing the students, Aggarwal commended the consistency and impact of the program, stating, “The output, energy, and enthusiasm I have seen at every SPARK Camp is constant — the only thing that changes is the location. Confidence and clarity are not always taught in classrooms, but they’re critical to how we navigate the world. I commend the training team of Avenues for making this a reality for so many young people.”
School principals and teachers noted marked improvements in student participation and self-expression. Ismat Ara Begum, Principal of Jawaharlal Nehru Higher Secondary School, Phulbari, observed, “There was a lightness in how students were speaking by the end – less fear, more clarity. We saw students who had never raised their hand in class, standing up to speak in front of hundreds. This camp has helped build their confidence and essential life skills.”
The event also included student testimonials that highlighted the camps’ effectiveness. Mridula Karmakar (Class 12 Arts, Jawaharlal Nehru Higher Secondary School) shared, “At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but SPARK helped me gain confidence. Now, I can speak confidently in front of others.” Shafiul Rahman (Class 11 Science, Jawaharlal Nehru Higher Secondary School) reflected, “Before SPARK, I was the kind of student who hid behind my notebook, afraid to speak. This programme helped me discover my voice and taught me resilience and kindness.”
Sharjina Yesmin (Class 11 Science, Jawaharlal Nehru Higher Secondary School) added, “SPARK taught me that confidence is key. Even if one path doesn’t work out, there are many others. I now say, ‘Yes, I can do it’.”
Younger participants also lauded the program. Ummi Habiba (Class 10, Bhaitbari Higher Secondary School) said, “Before SPARK, I was scared to speak in front of people. This camp gave me the courage to express myself and work as part of a team.” Junaid Islam (Class 10, Bhaitbari Higher Secondary School) explained, “The SPARK team showed us how to greet others, smile meaningfully, and speak with confidence. Through PATH, we found direction, and we also learned about financial literacy.” Reazazul Islam (Class 9, Bhaitbari Higher Secondary School) concluded, “This experience changed me. I learnt to speak clearly, and I gained knowledge about money management and empathy.”
Thoughtfully adapted to each school’s unique local context, the SPARK Camps delivered more than just skill-building; they cultivated dignity, courage, and the potential for positive change.
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