Shillong: A group of 24 youth from across Meghalaya were selected to participate in the International Youth Exchange Program in Jakarta, Indonesia, from February 16 to 22, 2025.
Launched in 2015, the International Youth Exchange Exposure Program was designed to offer students the opportunity to represent their schools, colleges, and institutions in district-level competitions, eventually leading to state, national, and international representation. This initiative has provided a platform for Meghalaya’s youth to showcase their talents while promoting cultural exchange and personal development.
The program not only boosts self-confidence and teamwork but also fosters cross-cultural understanding, encouraging participants to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and form lifelong friendships.
This marks the fourth batch of students from Meghalaya to participate in an International Youth Exchange. Out of 600 applicants in 2023, only 24 students from 12 districts were selected for this prestigious opportunity. The program began with a two-day orientation session held in Shillong from February 14 to 15, before the students departed for Jakarta via Singapore.
The team, which also included four officials from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, arrived in Jakarta on February 17, 2025. The following day, they visited several historical sites and cultural landmarks in the city of Jakarta. On February 19, the team participated in a cultural exchange with Jakarta’s youth at St. John Bosco Parish. They were warmly welcomed by the Parish Rector, Fr. Paulus Rarasta SDB, and the local youth group. Later, they toured various vocational and technical training institutes in Jakarta.
On February 20, 2025, the team travelled to Bali to take part in further activities organized by the Directorate.
This international exposure provides young talents from Meghalaya with a valuable platform to learn, grow, and experience diverse cultures, empowering them to share their experiences and enrich the lives of other youth in the state.
