RRF, DSEJ, JKST&IC and UNICEF organize Consultation on Strengthening Career Guidance Ecosystem in J&K

RRF, DSEJ, JKST&IC and UNICEF organize Consultation on Strengthening Career Guidance Ecosystem in J&K

Jammu: In order to deliberate upon the strategy and roadmap for strengthening the career guidance ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, the Reform and Rehabilitation Foundation, organized 22 Consultations on Career Guidance across J&K including a day-long Divisional Level Consultation in Jammu on 10th December 2024.

The event was held in collaboration with UNICEF India, Directorate of School Education Jammu, GIF, NIT Srinagar, JKST&IC,DST supported by Divisional Administration Jammu.

The program was conducted under Global Youth Outreach and Employability Program which is a flagship program of Reform and Rehabilitation Foundation. GYOEP empowers the youth of J&K through comprehensive support in 5 key areas-Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Ecosystem/Environment and Rehabilitation.

Experts and speakers at the consultation explored how existing career guidance tools can be scaled to reach more students, identified available resources, and brainstormed innovative ideas to enhance career development in the region.

The RRF have organized the Divisional and District Level Consultations on the same theme across 20 Districts of J&K. More than 400 officials of the Department of School Education were being consulted for their inputs and feedback in order to make career guidance accessible to each and every student of J&K. They were also being sensitized regarding various career guidance and counselling tools.

Saurabh Bhagat, IAS ,Commissioner Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, who was the Chief Guest for the occasion, emphasized the need for seamless interconnection between various departments that a child navigates from schooling to recruitment. He underscored the importance of strengthening the education ecosystem, ‘By fostering a robust and interconnected framework, we can empower our youth to carve out sustainable careers and ensure they have the means to earn a decent living.’

Danish Aziz, Education Specialist, UNICEF India, underscored the developments made so far in the career guidance ecosystem and emphasized the importance of an integrated approach in education, as envisioned by NEP-2020.

Sheikh Inayat Ullah, CEO, Reform & Rehabilitation Foundation, discussed the Govt. initiatives and free counselling tools developed by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India supported by UNICEF. He also highlighted the skill-intensive nature of the economy, stating, “Equipping students with relevant skills through career guidance is crucial for their success in today’s competitive world.”

Dr. Nasir Shah, Additional Director JKST&IC, DST J&K who was the Guest of Honour on the occasion, highlighted the importance of updating the syllabus and curriculum design to meet the growing demands of industry 4.0 emphasizing the need for visually appealing and engaging content to foster a spark and deeper interest in learning among students.

Dr. Subah Mehta, Joint Director, School Education Jammu emphasized the critical importance of career guidance in shaping the future of students. She highlighted the need to address the specific requirements at government institutions to ensure equitable opportunities for all. ‘Career guidance plays a pivotal role in helping students make informed career choices, empowering them to explore their potential and pursue meaningful paths,’ she stated.

Prof. Sidhu Kapoor, Joint Director, JKSCERT highlighted the significance of addressing vocational needs through comprehensive vocational education. She emphasized the importance of engaging students at a young age, stating, ‘By introducing vocational education early, we can nurture their skills, interests, and talents, equipping them for a brighter and more self-reliant future.’

Dr. Bilal, Deputy Director, Samaghra Shiksha commended the proactive efforts of the Reform and Rehabilitation Foundation, highlighting their dedication to meaningful initiatives. He also offered full support of his department in future activities.

Reform and Rehabilitation foundation (RRF) is an organization that transforms the lives of the youth in the country with special focus on J&K. It recognizes the unique challenges faced by young individuals and bridges gaps between their ambition and opportunities through targeted career guidance, skill development, mentorship, and rehabilitation programs, creating pathways for sustainable development which aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047, National Education Policy 2020 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

RRF believes that with the right support and guidance, the youth can achieve their full potential and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the society at large.

RRF has been organizing several other career events that include online mentorship for STEM based scholarship for students, career guidance programs, awareness camps etc. Such events aim to guide and assist the students in their career development.

The consultation included interactive brainstorming sessions and was attended by Chief Education Officers, District Education Planning Officers, and District Cultural Coordinators from all districts of the Jammu Division.

This initiative aims to build a robust career guidance ecosystem in Jammu, empowering students to make informed decisions and equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive economy.

The Reform and Rehabilitation extended the heartfelt thanks to Chief Guest, panelists, participants, especially to Divisional Administration Jammu and all the stakeholders who contributed to the success of this event.