‘Having a good degree is no longer enough to secure a job. Job market today has become very competitive, and you need to look beyond your degree and percentage that you get” said Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse.
She was speaking as the guest of honour of the 27th freshers social of the Japfü Christian College, Kigwema on August 10 at ZAPA Indoor Stadium, JCC.
Emphasising on the importance of vocational and skill based courses, Kruse asserted that it has become mandatory for the youth to take skill based courses adding that we cannot rely on government jobs.
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Skill based courses will help you with employability said Kruse. She also mentioned that the government under the New Educational Policy is trying its best to align between the curriculum and the industry. To this end, she urged the students to take maximum advantage of these opportunities, and for which, Kruse also reminded the colleges on the need to keep students’ learning relevant to the competencies demanded by the industry.
Also stressing on the need to continuously look up for opportunities, the Minister said internships have become an essential gateway for youth to make themselves standout to get hands-on knowledge and experience.
While noting with regret the flooding of non-Naga workers who are willing to work for any amount of time and money, she said the youth needs to grab those opportunities to do internships and look out for part time jobs to enhance one’s learning experiences. Advising the students, Kruse said the world belongs to those who are diligent, honest, consistent and hard working wherein the society is faced with great challenges as well as opportunities.
“As leaders of tomorrow, start to look beyond your classroom lessons and look out for opportunities, and nothing can stop you to reach the top with the help of God” she advised the students. She also appreciated the college for moulding the lives of many students over the years who today, are occupying responsible positions in the government and civil society in the state and beyond.
Principal JCC, Dr Visakhonü Hibo in her speech informed that since the college was established in 1996, 23 alumni achievers serving in various positions, and 19 University gold medallists from the college.
Lunso, SDPO, Jalukie, Peren, an alumnus achiever also encouraged the students to work hard and make their dreams a reality by imbibing ‘discipline and hard work’ as core principles in whatever they do.
Meanwhile, the college also felicitated Ketosenü Kikhi who bagged the Gold Medal at the recently declared NU Undergraduate result.
First Naga Traditional Cuisine Lab
The Minister also inaugurated the first Naga Traditional Cuisine (NTC) Lab at the college premises, and lauded the college for this initiative. She also suggested that the students can also learn about farming, floristry, gardening, art and craft etc along with their degree.
It was learnt that as per the skill emphasis of NEP 2020, the college is initiating Naga traditional cuisine as part of its skill enhancement course under Nagaland University, wherein the main dishes of the 15 indigenous tribes of Nagaland are studied, cooked and analysed for retention and transmission of Naga food as part of cultural identity.
The college, she said, is attempting to draw the food map of Nagaland as part of its research interest.
It may also be mentioned that in its 16-acre campus, the college is also preserving many indigenous fruit trees as well as other seasonal fruits that are compliant to its environment. It was informed that food skills, food security and climate change are some concerns that are being taught alongside the regular academic curriculum at the college.
