On October 9, 2024, a pivotal parents' meeting took place at the Nirmali Society of Christ Jesus in Mawkasiang, Shillong, organized by the Don Bosco Tech Society under the ‘Skills Meghalaya Project 2024-2025’. The gathering marked an important milestone for the Housekeeping Trainee Batch 3, a group poised to embrace opportunities for growth and transformation. This project, supported by the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS), is designed to empower individuals who have gained experience in the workforce but lack formal qualifications, offering them a chance to validate their skills and enhance their career prospects.

The event commenced with an informative briefing by Miss Larimonsngewbha Wanniang, the Certified Employability (CE) Trainer for the Housekeeping Trainee program. Miss Wanniang shared the vision behind the Skills Meghalaya initiative, emphasizing its unique focus on recognizing informal skills and translating them into formal qualifications. She explained how the program will not only enhance the trainees’ technical skills but also prepare them for professional interviews by instilling confidence and effective communication techniques.

A key highlight of the meeting was the discussion on job placement opportunities. Miss Wanniang informed the parents that while many job placements would be outside of Meghalaya, this should be seen as an exciting prospect for their children. “This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to experience new cultures, learn from diverse environments, and expand horizons,” she remarked. The job placements, which will last for one year, will be closely monitored by the trainers, ensuring that the students remain under the guidance and care of the Don Bosco Tech Society (DBTS).

Sister Aidamary Kharmaw, the hostel in-charge at Nirmali Society, then took the floor to discuss the residential aspect of the trainees’ journey. She provided a comprehensive overview of the hostel’s rules and regulations, stressing the importance of discipline and community living. Sister Aidamary urged parents to support their children’s growth by encouraging resilience, independence, and a positive mindset, which are essential as they prepare to embark on this transformative experience.

The meeting was not just a briefing—it was a dialogue. Parents had the opportunity to engage with the trainers and staff, raising questions and sharing their concerns, which were addressed with clarity and empathy. This interaction fostered a sense of collaboration between the training staff and the families, highlighting the collective effort needed to ensure the success of the trainees.

The event concluded with the signing of an agreement between the trainees, parents, and the training organizers, cementing the commitment to both the training process and the subsequent job placement. This formalization symbolized a shared vision of nurturing capable, confident individuals who are ready to face the world beyond the borders of their home state.

In reflection, the meeting was more than a mere formality—it was an insightful introduction to the potential that this project holds for young people in Meghalaya. It opened a pathway for growth, both personally and professionally, and presented the parents with a clear vision of the bright future their children can build with the right support and training. This initiative under the Skills Meghalaya Project is not just about employment—it’s about empowerment, exploration, and the opportunity to take bold steps toward a better future.

For those who attended, the event was not only informative but also inspirational. It reinforced the idea that education and skills development are not limited to formal classrooms, but extend into every experience, every interaction, and every challenge faced with courage. With the collaborative efforts of DBTS, the trainers, and the families, the Housekeeping Trainee Batch 3 is well on its way to success.