CYP Asia forays in to remote North East India

The North Eastern States of India are not only remote but also economically disadvantaged with a high rate of youth unemployment. This has been one of the factors leading to unrest in this part of the country. With a view to providing sustainable livelihoods to the unemployed youth of one such State, Meghalaya, the CYP Asia Centre launched its Commonwealth Youth Credit Initiative (CYCI) in the capital city, Shillong on 21 January, 2008.

The launch ceremony was attended by the Chief Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ranjan Chatterjee, the Regional Director of the CYP Asia Centre, Mr. Raj K. Mishra, the Programme Manager of Youth Development, Ms. Vimala Periyannanpillai, senior government officials, representatives of financial institutions, members of the press and the public, as well as thirty young men and women who were invited for a five-day training programme.

In his inaugural speech, Mr. Chatterjee thanked the CYP Asia Centre for this initiative and assured all support and cooperation of his government towards its successful implementation. Mr. Mishra briefed the members present about the mandate of the CYP and the various programmes and activities undertaken by the Asia Centre.

The CYCI project in Meghalaya will be implemented by the Impulse Network, an NGO headed by Ms Hasina Kharbi, who is no stranger to the CYP. Ms Kharbi is a recipient of the Commonwealth Youth Services Award and also an active Commonwealth Youth Ambassador for Positive Living. Incidentally, the NGO completed 15 years of dedicated service to the community, and to commemorate the occasion the chief guest released a book on its journey so far. A website of the organisation was also launched by Mr. Mishra.

Thirty young men and women selected by the NGO after a screening process were invited to a five-day capacity building workshop before they were offered assistance under the project. The training was organised by the International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Career Development, a partner of CYP Asia Centre in the implementation of its first successful CYCI venture.