North East Institute of Social Sciences & Research (NEISSR) conducted a two-day orientation programme on skills building for social workers at Peace Center in Chümoukedima on January 20 and 21 with the participation of 113 social work students and faculty of NEISSR.
An update from the institute stated that the orientation programme was conducted by Dr. Jonas Richard A, director of Centre for Life Skills Education (CLSE) at Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru, wherein he spoke on relevant skills such as soft skills, technical skills and professional skills.
Dr. Jonas spoke on the importance of having the rights skills and attitude to become a successful social worker. He focused on the need for self-awareness, which according to him is fundamental to connect and reconnect with the core of human values.
Dr. Sherman Kuek, professor of Theology and Dialogue at Christian Institute for Theological Engagement (CHRISTE) and convener of Splendor Project, Malaysia, also gave a lecture on the importance of dialogue and a requisite skill for peace building. He strongly advocated that the world needs peace makers rather than peace keeper.
He spoke about the various dimensions of dialogue and the importance of adopting inclusive dialogue that affirms and give space to understand and include different set of ideologies, faith and beliefs in a pluralistic society.
On the second day, Dr. Jonas spoke on skills related to decision making and problem solving, where students were trained and inducted to be life skills trainers. It stated that the trainers would be reaching out to youth and students as part of outreach programme of the institution.
At the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Fr. CP Anto, principal of NEISSR, spoke on the importance of imparting soft skills.
It stated that students learned self-reflection and various approaches to handle conflicting cases during the orientation. Besides, they were taught on effective communication and problem solving skills to enhance the quality of life.