SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Teacher Training Academy (MTTA), in collaboration with the MPOWER programme partners Magic Bus India Foundation and WorldBeing India, successfully conducted a six-day intensive Training of Master Trainers programme from 3rd to 8th August 2026 at MTTA, Malki, Shillong.
Now in its second year of implementation, the MPOWER initiative aims to bolster the professional development of teachers and promote holistic adolescent growth across Meghalaya.
A total of 65 Master Trainers from seven districts—East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, and North Garo Hills—participated in the training.
The programme focused on key thematic areas: Life Skills, Financial Literacy, Mental Health, and Sexual and Reproductive Health.
The Master Trainers will now cascade their learnings to 1,729 teachers from SSA and Government Schools in their respective districts, ensuring the MPOWER programme’s effective implementation statewide.
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Dr. David M. Nongrum, Associate Professor, DERT & Additional Director, MTTA, highlighted the significance of building teacher capacity: “By equipping our Master Trainers with practical facilitation skills and a deeper understanding of Life Skills, Mental Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Financial Literacy Education, we are laying the foundation for more inclusive and learner-centred classrooms.”
The training employed experiential and participatory learning approaches, including interactive sessions, peer-learning activities, mock facilitation, and classroom simulations. These activities enhanced participants’ confidence, knowledge, and practical competencies, strengthening their ability to deliver impactful teacher training in the thematic areas.
The programme began with an orientation and an inaugural address by Smti. J.U. Kharpuri, MCS, Director, DERT, who emphasized the importance of investing in teacher capacity as a cornerstone for educational transformation. The final day included a comprehensive review of key learnings, post-training assessments, and preparation of district-level training plans for the next phase.
Dr. Caraline Y. Kharmalki, Assistant Professor, DERT & Nodal Officer, MPOWER, praised the commitment of the Master Trainers: “The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated throughout the programme have been truly encouraging. We hope these learnings will enable teachers to create safe, supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environments where every child feels accepted.”
MTTA reaffirmed its commitment to building a skilled and future-ready teaching workforce and continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Meghalaya’s vision for quality, inclusive education that equips every child with the knowledge, skills, and values to thrive in an ever-changing world.
(4FrontMedia news)
