A ten-day training programme on baking and confectionery was inaugurated at the Multi Training Centre (MTC), Kohima, with an aim to equip youth and women with skills for livelihood and entrepreneurship.
The programme is being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Women Resources Development (WRD) and funded by Kudecho Khamo, MLA and Advisor, CAWD, Nagaland, under the Local Area Development Fund (LADF).
Vahine Thisa, Principal Director (retired) of Treasuries and Accounts, Government of Nagaland, attended the programme as special guest. She lauded the Women Resource Development department for providing skill development opportunities, particularly to women, and appreciated Khamo for initiating the programme for the benefit of people in his constituency.
Thisa stressed the importance of skill development in addressing the growing employment challenges and described baking and confectionery as a trade with significant livelihood potential. She noted that the training was being provided free of cost through the collaboration with the department, which otherwise could have involved considerable expenses if undertaken through private institutions.
She encouraged the trainees to approach the training with determination, dedication and discipline and make effective use of their individual skills and talents to build sustainable livelihoods.
Emphasising the importance of hygiene, Thisa urged the trainees to maintain cleanliness in both their products and workstations, noting that the quality and safety of products would directly influence the success of their businesses.
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She said baking and confectionery offered year-round opportunities, with demand arising from weddings, birthdays, other celebrations and everyday consumption. According to her, businesses could begin on a small scale, including from home, and gradually develop through hard work and sincerity.
Thisa also encouraged the trainees to consider establishing enterprises in villages and impart the skills they acquire to others. She called for creativity and innovation to attract customers and expand businesses, particularly in ways that could promote the financial independence of women.
Earlier, Hukupa Ciekhan, PA to the MLA and Advisor, delivered the keynote address. He said the initiative was conceived to empower youth and women to become self-reliant rather than remain dependent on others.
Ciekhan stressed that baking involved more than following recipes, requiring passion, creativity, discipline and punctuality. He encouraged the trainees to adopt an entrepreneurial outlook and not limit their goal to obtaining certificates.
He said the eventual success of the trainees would reflect the fulfilment of the initiative’s vision and urged them to utilise their newly acquired skills to develop distinctive and sustainable enterprises.
A prayer was offered by Deo Tetseo, Youth Director, Chakhesang Baptist Church Kitsubozou (CBCK), Kohima.
