SLYA holds winter coaching camp for board exams

HEMIKA NAG

GANGTOK,: The Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association (SLYA) organised a cultural programme for the students attending their winter coaching camp for class X and XII board exams on Saturday evening. 

The programme started with the teachers and various individuals, established in the fields of business, graphic design, music and so on, conducting an interactive session with the students. The students were able to discuss questions regarding various aspects of life, including career, academics as well as culture.

The speakers for this session provided insightful anecdotes and advice for the students, not only motivating them for their upcoming exams, but also encouraging them to pursue the path of gratitude and kindness. This was followed by two energetic traditional Lepcha dance performances by the SLYA members, and then a hearty musical session performed by Sofiyum members Mikmar Tshering Lepcha and Pintsok Dechen Lepcha, and SLYA members.

The SLYA has held the free winter coaching classes every year since 1992, and often conducts such interactive and motivational sessions for their students, as a step towards their vision of helping and uplifting under-privileged students appearing for CBSE board examinations. The current president of the organisation is Ongden Tshering Lepcha and the general secretary is Lobsang Chopel Lepcha, both of whom have expressed diligence and enthusiasm for making this coaching class a fruitful endeavour.

The association takes in students from all districts, especially ones who have financial difficulties and are not able to opt for coaching classes. The students who do not have the provision to stay in Gangtok during the coaching classes are provided with free accommodation and food in a hostel currently situated at the Primitive Tribe Girl's hostel, Helipad area in Burtuk. Both the coaching classes and the hostel are entirely run by volunteers, including the teachers, wardens and cook, and the cost for all is borne by help received by the organisation in cash and kind, by well-wishers.

Initially the free coaching classes were conducted in Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School, Development Area, and spanned for 2 months, during the winter vacation. They teach all subjects for class X, and all streams for class XII (Humanities, Science & Commerce). 

This year there are 162 students currently in the coaching class, and 16 volunteering teachers. The classes for this term had started from December, last week, and will end on 31st January, followed by a valedictory programme on 1st February.

Some of the volunteers for this free winter coaching classes are former students of the same. The organisation states that they strongly believe in giving back to society, and by utilising their own capabilities and time for others in need, they take forward that vision.