Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports Zale Neikha today opined that the upcoming Hornbill Festival in December will open up more avenues for tourist guides especially Dzükou Valley where the state government will consider events to promote eco-tourism for the valley.
He was gracing the inaugural function of the weeklong training of ‘Youth Advancement’ organized by the Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) in collaboration with various government departments and organisations today at Thiazu, Mima Village under Kohima Village.
In this regard, Zale urged the youths to maintain discipline and punctuality throughout the training and take the training with utmost seriousness.
“Whatever you learn and inculcate from the training can be applied in our daily lives and make one a better person in the service of the society,” he implored.
With training on tourism, disaster, forest, mountaineering and fitness among others being interconnected to tourism and tourist guides in particular, Zale opined that it was crucial for the trainees to get hands-on training in these areas.
Stating that although leaders in the region are not less than others, he however lamented that the leaders in our region lack discipline, punctuality and determination. The advisor called on the youths to change their mindset to choose their calling and vocation rather than settling for mediocrity. As leaders, Zale challenged, if one can display patient and considerate demeanour and the ability to tackle adversities, it is possible to shoulder responsibilities with agility during times of need while referring to ongoing issues and concerns surfacing the region.
SAYO President Metekhrielie Mejura while delivering the welcome address and introduction of the training said the training session is a host of sessions from various nodal departments and experienced officers and serves as a platform for the youths to enhance their skills and knowledge on different sectors.
Stating that our people have a desire to help others but at the same time become reluctant due to lack of skills and training, he stressed on the need for timely intervention and assistance. He shared concern that the footfall of tourists in the region has drastically increased and that effective action-oriented response needed to be given back to the tourists.
After the training, the trainees will be issued Identity Cards and Certificates and as such will be mobilized when called for response and utilized for combat.
During the first day of the training, Er Keheibamding Thoü, Senior Research Associate, Department of Environmental, Forests and Climate Change, Government of Nagaland spoke on wildlife and awareness on forest protection. In addition, Pezaneinuo, Forest Range Officer, Kohima range presented on Forest Fire Management Plan.
Representing the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Sedevizo Hibo, Officer in Charge, Fire station (South Division) gave a practical session and demonstration on Fire and Emergency Services.
Altogether, 82 youths from across 13 Southern Angami villages are undertaking the Certificate training course which commenced on 15 August evening and will culminate on 19 August.
