Rationale: To prepare youngsters for better life ahead.
Background:
In line with the Royal Government’s efforts to address unemployment issues and also to create public awareness about HIV/AIDS, the Harmony Youth Centre, DYS, MoE conducted a 4-day workshop on basic interview skills and HIV/AIDS from 28/11/09 to 01/12/09 which was attended by about 35 youth who are attached to the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources under its pre-employment programme. It was felt that most of the young job seekers remain unprepared and fail to get through selection interviews. So in order to help them perform better during the interviews, the first two days of the workshop were committed for basic interview tips, career planning and goal setting. The last two days however covered discussions on HIV/AIDS and on 01/12/2009 coinciding with the World AIDS Day, a public awareness campaign was organized in Thimphu with the help of the participants. The workshop was funded by Save the Children, USA.
Detailed report:
On 28/11/09, the participants were mainly briefed on the importance of self-assessment, realizing one’s own values and setting goals. In the morning session, the Chief Programme Officer, Harmony Youth Centre firstly presented ideas through simple exercises about how to assess oneself and recognize personal values. The primary aim of the exercises was to give them the essence of self-identity particularly when it comes to attending interviews. As a result, the participants learned to identify their weaknesses, strengths and other skills/qualities. Then in the afternoon session, they were given basic tips on goal setting. In order to move towards the right direction in life, one should have goals set beforehand. So the participants were given some exercises on goal setting. Through the activity, they learned to set goals and also to frame objectives and action plans to meet the goals. They also learned that objectives must be SMART: Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. This concept was explained through examples as well as through exercise.
On 29/11/09, the session covered briefings on preparing for a successful interview, basic answering techniques during the interviews and drafting formal job applications and curriculum vitae. So from 10.00 AM to 01.00 PM, the participants were given some important tips on how to prepare for the interview such as self-assessment of relevant skills and capabilities, research of the company/organization and the position applied, developing confidence, improving physical presentation, etc. The discussion also covered the importance of such basic knowledge as reaching the venue of interview before time, switching off the mobile phone, making proper eye contact while answering the questions and showing confidence while justifying the statements. In the afternoon, the participants were provided basic ideas about drafting a formal job application letter and a CV. They were made to understand that it is as important to study the details of the post from the media that carries its advertisement as to show commitment to work in the post in the application. Coming to writing a CV, they were provided some of the most important information that need to be considered such as personal details, education qualifications, professional studies/trainings, work experiences and valid references. A sample of the CV was also circulated for better understanding of its format and style of writing. The day’s programme was resourced by Amrith Bdr. Subba, Asst. Counselor, Harmony Youth Centre.
On 30/11/09, the participants were sensitized on the issue of HIV/AIDS by Ms. Shoko, a Japanese volunteer attached to Harmony Youth Centre through JICA. The morning session included presentation on the meaning of HIV/AIDS, its different ways of transmission, means of prevention, etc. The participants were given a clear picture of the disease and its current situation in Bhutan and world at large through activities and posters. They were also convinced the importance of using condoms while having sex, avoiding sex with multi-partners, refraining from drugs and being faithful to one particular partner. The discussions and question and answer session proved that all the participants were well informed of the disease and its consequences if not prevented on time.
In the afternoon, Mr. Jigme Losel, an eminent monk from Benaras, India was invited to share with the participants Buddhist perspectives on substance abuse and using contraceptives like condoms. Bhutan has been a conservative society and many people believe that using contraceptives like condoms for birth control is a sin. So the monk clarified that using condoms and other contraceptives cannot be a sin since it is far before the time when the actual life begins in the womb. If a girl is pregnant already, then the abortion of the child would be certainly a sin since it is the destruction of a human life. Coming to substance abuse, the participants were briefed that even Buddhism does not accept the use of such drugs as alcohol and other modern drugs since they constitute factors that distract human beings from the normal life. These drugs not only destroy one’s own personal life but also ruin the lives of others and the society one lives in. At the end of the day, the participants acknowledged that all the information were extremely relevant and useful to them.
On 01/12/09, the participants spent the morning hours preparing posters, ribbons and leaflets on HIV/AIDS to be distributed to the public in Thimphu as a part of the World AIDS Day. All the posters, leaflets and ribbons carried special messages on HIV/AIDS for general awareness. In the afternoon, a public awareness campaign was conducted in Thimphu town with the help of the participants. Led by Kelzang Wangmo, the Matron and Ms. Shoko, the participants went on distributing those posters, leaflets and ribbons to the people in the town educating them on the issue. The programme was a great success since it was welcomed by many who received the messages.
In general, the workshop was well received by the participants as indicated in the daily evaluation sheet. The participants were fully satisfied with the contents of the sessions and the convincing power of the speakers. For most, it was a great opportunity to get new ideas especially about formal interview skills and goal setting. So as per their observations, such programmes are recommended at regular intervals.
