The Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) officially kicked off its 40th General Conference on January 6 at Yezami Village. The four-day conference, scheduled from January 6 to 9, is being held on the theme “Rising with Vision.”
The programme was graced by Zhekugha Assumi, Proprietor of Step by Step School, Zunheboto, as the Special Guest, while Kakugha S Rotokha, President of the Zunheboto Area Public Organization (ZAPO), delivered the greetings message.
The opening prayer was offered by Viloto Aye, Pastor of Yezami Baptist Church, and the opening ceremony was performed by the Baimho Students’ Union.
The inaugural session was chaired by K Zhimomi, with Viboto P Khuju and K Zhimo serves as comperes. A welcome song was presented by the host village, Yezami Village, followed by the welcome address delivered by S Kivikhu Achumi, Retired Additional Director, Department of Agriculture, and Chairman of the Yezami Village Council.
The introductory session was conducted by Kitolu Kibami, while a special song was presented by the Hekiye Students’ Union. The General Secretary’s report was delivered by Holonto S Zhimomi. The programme concluded with a closing prayer by Toluto V Chophy, Pastor of Lizu New Baptist Church.
Delivering his address, Kakugha S Rotokha emphasized that conferences should not merely be ceremonial gatherings but platforms for vision-building and societal transformation. He encouraged the introduction of innovative programmes, career guidance initiatives, seminars on health and civic sense, and effective implementation of resolutions.
He also expressed concern over the tendency of participants to disengage during the final sessions of conferences, stating that such practices undermine the purpose of the event. Rotokha extended his best wishes to students who have been promoted to the next class and those preparing for board and competitive examinations.
In his keynote address, Zhekugha Assumi highlighted Zunheboto’s historical identity, referencing Leucosceptrum canum (locally known as Zunhebo), and reflected on the values of giving and hospitality since 1973.
Quoting Malcolm X, he said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” adding that education is not merely the learning of facts but the training of the mind to think.
Assumi spoke extensively on career awareness, noting that many traditional jobs such as postmen, typists, switchboard operators, printing press workers, and elevator operators are gradually disappearing due to technological advancements. In contrast, he highlighted careers that did not exist 20 years ago, including app developers, influencers, podcast producers, social media managers, and AI engineers.
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He further discussed future job trends, pointing to agriculture-based workers, delivery drivers, software developers, shop salespersons, food processing workers, nursing professionals, food and beverage service workers, and general and operations managers as occupations likely to remain in demand.
Addressing the impact of Artificial Intelligence, he stated that AI is reshaping the world of work, while green economy jobs linked to sustainability and climate change, along with healthcare, particularly mental health services—will see growing demand.
Assumi stressed that while AI may replace many roles, professions such as doctors, therapists, educators, lawyers, engineers, artists, leaders, and politicians will continue to rely on human judgment and leadership.
He also spoke on multiple intelligences, identifying nine types, including logical, linguistic, spatial, musical, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, and existential intelligence. He urged students to identify their unique gifts, stating that self-awareness is key to personal transformation.
Concluding his address, he emphasized the importance of soft skills, critical thinking, adaptability, and employability skills such as confidence, attitude, accountability, teamwork, time management, and stress management. Quoting, “The real voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes,” he encouraged students to embrace change and lifelong learning.
