The inaugural programme of the initiative titled Providing Access to Core Employability Skills (PACES), a seven-day training course comprising 50 instructional hours, was successfully conducted at DB’s Hall, Atoizu, on March 25. The initiative was organised by the Department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of Nagaland in collaboration with Pragatisheel Vision Foundation, with the objective of strengthening employability competencies among local youth.

Delivering the welcome address, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Atoizu, Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak, NCS, underscored the growing challenge of unemployment, stating that reliance solely on a college degree would not be sufficient to secure sustainable livelihoods in the State or the nation. He emphasised that acquisition of practical skills is essential for self-employment and for exploring opportunities in the private sector, where considerable prospects exist even within Nagaland.

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A brief overview of the training framework was presented by Chumbemo Jerret Patton, Managing Director of Pragatisheel Vision Foundation, who highlighted the key components of the PACES initiative and expressed optimism regarding its potential to equip participants with essential workplace competencies. Tozheli S, STL President, Atoizu, also addressed the gathering and encouraged youth to actively participate in such capacity-building programmes.