Conrad for early investment in youth welfare
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Shillong: The demographic advantage of Meghalaya's young population requires early investment in youth welfare, chief minister
Conrad K Sangma
said at the
SPARK Summit 2025
, held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, State Central Library premises, Shillong.
SPARK (School Programs in Articulation, Resilience and Kindness) is a govt initiative under the
National Education Policy
, designed to equip students with essential life skills, particularly emphasising communication, resilience and empathy.
During his speech, the CM highlighted that while India's population predominantly falls between 15-19 years, Meghalaya's highest population segment is 0-4 years, with 49% of residents under 20 years of age.
"Meghalaya is one of the few states that focusses on the life cycle approach and there are different programs for
early childhood development
, adolescence, youth and adulthood and the investments we make in these programs will yield exponential results in the years to come," he said.
Speaking about adolescents aged 9-19 years, he noted this crucial period presents numerous challenges requiring substantial guidance.
"If Meghalaya wants to be one of the best states in the country, we will have to work and invest at every level but inspite of the challenges and difficulties we are determined to take the state forward and I am confident that with the programs, policies and the focus with which we are moving we will achieve the goal," Conrad said.
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The chief minister distributed tablets to outstanding students and presented certificates to schools participating in the SPARK programme, which AVENUES implements with support from Samagra Shiksha under the state education department.
"The program has shown tangible outcomes, with students demonstrating improved public speaking, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence," an official said.
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