NEWS

Meghalaya Youth at International Cultural Exchange Programme
To foster cultural understanding, leadership, and personal growth among the youth, 24 young people from Meghalaya represented the state at the International Youth Exchange Programme in Jakarta, Indonesia, from February 16 to 22 for the fourth time. The delegation, selected from a pool of 600 applicants across 12 districts, participated in an initiative made possible through the collaboration between the Government of Meghalaya and the Salesians of Don Bosco Shillong Province.
The programme began with a two-day orientation in Shillong, followed by their journey to Jakarta via Singapore. Upon arrival, the youth explored various historical and cultural sites in the Indonesian capital. Warmly welcomed by Parish Rector Fr. Paulus Rarasta SDB and the St. John Bosco Parish community, they participated in a cultural exchange with local youth. The group also visited vocational and technical training institutes, gaining insight into diverse educational practices. Then, they travelled to Bali for further activities organized by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
During the cultural exchange at the Don Bosco Institute in Jakarta, meaningful discussions and cross-cultural learning were facilitated, helping to strengthen the ties between India and Indonesia.
Shri DD Shira, MCS, Director of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, underscored the importance of such initiatives in broadening young people's horizons. He highlighted the programme's focus on developing leadership, communication, and cultural understanding while also allowing the youth to bring innovative ideas back to their communities. "This collaboration with the Salesians of Don Bosco has been instrumental in nurturing leadership and creating international connections for our youth," stated Shira.
During their time in Jakarta, the delegation toured various cultural and historical sites, including the National Museum, National Monument, Cathedral of Jakarta, bird sanctuary, and small-scale industries. These experiences exposed the participants to Indonesia's rich heritage, technological advancements, and entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing valuable learning opportunities.