First batch of Temi-Namphing livelihood school complete souvenir-making course

GANGTOK, 11 Jan: The convocation of the first batch of souvenir making course of Temi-Namphing livelihood school under the State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB) Karfectar, Jorethang was held today at Temi Bazaar. The programme was chaired by area MLA, BS Pant along with Chief Administration Officer, State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB), SD Dhakal and Joint Administration Officer SICB, KB Pradhan.
The area MLA in his address congratulated the students of the livelihood school and encouraged them to move on with attaining higher success from the trades learnt during the year long course. “You all have completed the course with sheer hardwork and struggle but now more challenges await as now the responsibility has come to you in making the best use of the course in the days ahead by  leading a successful life using the techniques learnt practically”, he added.
With regard to financial constraints in the establishment of outlets or manufacturing units for souvenirs he mentioned that there are numerous funding agencies operating under the State government like SIDICO, SIRDA, Khadi and Village Industry Board, Small Scale Industry, NEDFi to name a few but what is required is to approach the agencies for loans following proper criteria and in case of any help required the government is always there and can be approached.
Mr. Panth reiterated that if the finished souvenirs produced by the trainees are really attractive and of high quality then he on his part will even demand for an outlet at Chaar Dham along with tourism cafeterias, big hotels but the students need to be fully capable and skilled in producing the best possible souvenirs.
Like wise Mr Dhakal in his address stated that the government and SICB, Karfectar, Jorethang has provided the souvenir making course livelihood school to Temi-Namphing constituency so that the local youth can avail the best training and become self employed.
The government and SICB have provided the training required under the livelihood school to all the trainees but now it is the responsibility and duty of the trainees to make use of it.
He further added that the production and marketing of souvenirs must be taken up in a cluster approach. Mr. Dhakal also informed that the souvenirs prepared by the students of the livelihood school will be included in a web site which is being prepared to market these products.
Managing Director SiMTEI, also the service provider of SICB, MK Pradhan thanked the area MLA for starting a souvenir making livelihood school at Temi-Namphing constituency.  He also thanked Mr Dhakal for his initiative which he said would not only benefit the students but the entire area.
A total of 50 students were trained in souvenir making by five teachers. The trades on which the training was provided were mug designing,  photo framing, eight lucky signs carving, tea packing and khada printing.
The area MLA today handed out certificates to the students of the livelihood school. The function was attended by Zilla Panchayat, Panchayat, BDO, school teachers of the area, senior citizens and parents of the trainees.