Jammu, Dec 12, KNT: The Reform and Rehabilitation Foundation (RRF), in collaboration with UNICEF India, the Directorate of School Education Jammu, and other prominent organizations, organized a Divisional Level Consultation on December 10, 2024, in Jammu. The event was part of a larger initiative to enhance the career guidance ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Held under the Global Youth Outreach and Employability Program (GYOEP), RRF’s flagship initiative, the consultation aimed to empower J&K’s youth by addressing key areas: Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Ecosystem, and Rehabilitation. This program strives to provide students with the tools and resources needed to achieve sustainable careers and adapt to a rapidly changing economy.
Prominent speakers and experts discussed scaling career guidance tools to reach more students, explored resource optimization, and proposed innovative approaches for career development in the region.
Saurabh Bhagat, IAS, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, emphasized the need for seamless collaboration across departments to guide students from schooling to employment. “A robust and interconnected education ecosystem empowers youth to create sustainable careers and earn a decent livelihood,” he stated.
Danish Aziz, Education Specialist at UNICEF India, highlighted the progress made in the career guidance ecosystem and stressed the importance of an integrated educational approach, as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Sheikh Inayat Ullah, CEO of RRF, discussed government initiatives and free counseling tools supported by UNICEF. He emphasized the importance of equipping students with relevant skills, stating, “Skill development through career guidance is vital for student success in today’s competitive world.”
Dr. Nasir Shah, Additional Director at JKST&IC, DST J&K, called for updates to syllabi and curricula to align with the demands of Industry 4.0. He stressed the importance of visually engaging content to ignite students’ interest in learning.
Dr. Subah Mehta, Joint Director, School Education Jammu, underlined the critical role of career guidance in shaping students’ futures and ensuring equitable opportunities for all, especially in government institutions.
Prof. Sidhu Kapoor, Joint Director at JKSCERT, highlighted the value of introducing vocational education early to nurture students’ skills and prepare them for self-reliant futures.
RRF has organized similar consultations across all 20 districts of J&K, involving over 400 officials from the Department of School Education. These events aim to make career guidance accessible to every student and equip education officials with the tools needed for effective counseling.
The Reform and Rehabilitation Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of youth in J&K by bridging the gap between ambition and opportunities. Their initiatives align with Viksit Bharat 2047, NEP 2020, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). RRF organizes various programs, including STEM mentorships, career awareness camps, and scholarship guidance, to support students in their career journeys.
The consultation concluded with interactive brainstorming sessions attended by Chief Education Officers, District Education Planning Officers, and District Cultural Coordinators from across Jammu Division. The event’s success, attributed to the contributions of participants and stakeholders, reinforced RRF’s vision of building a comprehensive career guidance ecosystem that empowers the youth of J&K to thrive in a competitive global economy.
RRF extended heartfelt thanks to the Chief Guest, panelists, participants, and stakeholders for their unwavering support in making the initiative a success. [KNT]
