Under the MPOWER Training of Master Trainers Programme, currently in its second year of implementation, a six-day intensive training programme was successfully conducted from 3 to 8 August 2026 at the Meghalaya Teacher Training Academy (MTTA), Malki, Shillong.
The training focused on strengthening the capacity of Master Trainers in four key thematic areas: Life Skills, Financial Literacy, Mental Health, and Sexual and Reproductive Health. The programme marks an important milestone in Meghalaya’s efforts to strengthen teacher professional development, promote holistic adolescent development and enhance learning outcomes across the state.
A total of 65 Master Trainers from seven districts—East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills—participated in the intensive training programme.
Following the successful completion of the training, these Master Trainers will go on to train 1,729 teachers from SSA and Government Schools in their respective districts, creating a wider network of trained educators across Meghalaya.
Building Capacity Through Practical Learning
The programme was supported by the Meghalaya Teacher Training Academy (MTTA), which provided institutional support and training facilities, while technical sessions were delivered by MPOWER programme partners Magic Bus India Foundation and WorldBeing India. The six-day programme was designed not only to strengthen thematic knowledge but also to develop the practical facilitation competencies required by Master Trainers to effectively lead teacher training at the district level.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, practical demonstrations, peer-learning activities, mock facilitation sessions and classroom simulations. This experiential and participatory approach helped strengthen their confidence, knowledge and ability to facilitate meaningful learning experiences for teachers.
The programme commenced with an orientation on MPOWER, followed by the inaugural address by Smti. J.U. Kharpuri, MCS, Director, DERT, who emphasised the importance of investing in teacher capacity as a cornerstone of educational transformation.
“The MTTA Master Trainer training marks an important step towards strengthening teacher capacity across Meghalaya. By equipping our Master Trainers with practical facilitation skills and a deeper understanding of Life Skills, Mental Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Financial Literacy Education, we are laying the foundation for more inclusive and learner-centred classrooms.”
— Dr David M. Nongrum, Associate Professor, DERT & Additional Director, Meghalaya Teacher Training Academy (MTTA)
Four Themes, One Shared Purpose
From Training to District-Level Action
The concluding day of the programme focused on reviewing key learnings, conducting a post-training assessment and preparing district-level teacher training plans to guide the next phase of MPOWER implementation.
With 65 Master Trainers now trained and 1,729 teachers next in line, the programme is entering an important phase of implementation across Meghalaya’s seven participating districts.
The MTTA has reaffirmed its commitment to building a skilled and future-ready teaching workforce through innovative, inclusive and child-centred pedagogical practices.
The next chapter will take place in classrooms across the state—where trained teachers will translate these learnings into everyday practice and help create learning environments in which every child can learn, participate, feel supported and thrive.