In a first of its kind, the Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) operating under the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Shillong Province – India launched a two-day Skill Expo 2026 on 16 April at Auxilium Nongthymmai, Shillong. This marks the first occasion on which the organisation has convened a formal, community-facing platform to exhibit the professional competencies and creative outputs of its trainees.

The event, held against a backdrop of various stalls was formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Mr. Winston Tony Lyngdoh, Chief Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and MDC of Nongthymmai. In a symbolic gesture of opening new pathways for the youth, Mr. Lyngdoh performed the traditional Cutting of the Ribbon, marking the start of a two-day showcase of talent and technical proficiency.

The speakers of the day at the inaugural function applauded the initiatives of the Salesian Sisters in providing life skills and exhorted the trainees to scale up their talents and opportunities. The Guests of Honour, Shri Donborlang Khongshei, Rangbah Shnong of Lumiablot and Shri G. Langstieh, Manager of the District Commerce & Industries Centre (DCIC) emphasized the critical role of practical training in bridging the gap between education and employment. Further, the Manager from DCIC briefed about the available schemes through the department, and exhorted both training centres and trainees to avail the benefits.

From the part of the province, Sr. Carmelina Sun, Vice Provincial highlighted the commitment of the province towards nurturing not just skilled workers, but responsible citizens following the path of the co-foundress, St. Maria Domenica Mazzarello. The “Welcome Note” was earlier delivered by Sr. Garnet Sutnga, Social Development Coordinator, setting a warm and hospitable tone for the day. Another attraction of the day was the performance of a Khasi song by Alice Navinia Kharkongor, inviting everyone to preserve the cultural identity of the place.

Themed “Where Talent Meets Opportunity,” the event is envisioned as a forum through which trainees demonstrate the practical skills they have acquired across various vocational disciplines, including garment design and tailoring, leather craft and accessories, bag-making, candle-making, bakery, computer skills etc. The exhibition shall be open to the public from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both days.

The second day was marked by a cultural dimension to the closing day through a live performance by Ms. Jennyfa Nongbet and Alice Navinia Kharkongor, two young budding artists. Concluding the two-day skill expo, the prize for the stall with the highest sale was bagged by the Auxilium Training Centre Khapmara, the second prize to Sacred Heart Convent Mawlai and the third prize to Auxilium Roilang Nongstoiñ. The provincial Sr. Rosa Pyngrope presented them a merit certificate and appreciation.  

Present on the occasion were the three headmen of the localities in Nongthymmai, Provincial Councillors, Sisters, young people, Trainers, Trainees and representatives from the different VTCs of the Province.