Khapmara (India). On 19 February 2026, the Auxilium Vocational Training Center in Khapmara, of Immaculate Heart of Mary Province (INS), joyfully celebrated the successful certification by 30 trainees in Desktop Publishing (DTP) and 25 trainees in Organic Agriculture.
On this occasion, the Training Center was also blessed with the visit of Ms. Carol Skoglund, the Executive Director of Homes of Hope India, a charity-based sponsor from the United States.
The certification ceremony was marked with songs by the present trainees and hostellers, speeches from the dignitaries, sharing of success stories, and distribution of certificates to the successful candidates.
The three-month computer training program and two-month organic farming training were funded by the Meghalaya State Skills Development (MSSDS) under the Department of Labor, Employment, and Skills Development of the Government of Meghalaya. The group of 25 women involved in organic farming comes from Khyndewso, a nearby village, 14 km from Khapmara.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Carol said, “You are building a greater future for you and your family with the choices you are making.” She encouraged participants to practice the skills that they have learned and to enjoy the rewards of their hard work.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Ribhoi district of Meghalaya, Shri Raja Brahma, MCS, expressed his admiration for the centre’s mission and encouraged the trainees to put their skills into practice and strive for self-reliance, noting that true wealth comes to those who start their own businesses and become self-employed. Furthermore, the Skills Development Officer informed the new graduates about the different schemes available through the government.
Speaking on behalf of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Sister Theodosia Mawniuh, Provincial Treasurer, expressed her gratitude to the Homes of Hope Foundation, the government department, the village headmen and people of the place. Congratulating the interns who successfully completed the course, she also highlighted the great work of the FMA of the Mary Help of Christians Community of Khapmara and encouraged them to go ahead in their service to humanity.
Regarding the successful completion of the training program, some trainees expressed satisfaction. One of the graduates, Father Sherman Khongshei, a 68-year-old priest from the Archdiocese of Shillong, said, “It’s never too late to learn,” and expressed deep appreciation for the works of the Sisters and the staff.
An organic farming graduate shared how she systematically learned to implement sustainable farming techniques, improve soil health, and manage her crops for better yields and marketability.
A Desktop Publishing graduate spoke on how the training directly aided her in her current job placement, where she is successfully employed.
The present trainees were inspired by the sharing of success stories and the overall program, gaining a clearer vision of their practical learning journey and strengthening their motivation. Concluding the event, Sr. Jubil Dkhar, the director of the Auxilium Skills Training Centre, Khapmara proposed the vote of thanks and congratulated the successful candidates.
