YouthNet Nagaland: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

YouthNet Nagaland is a pioneering non-profit organization focused on empowering the youth of Nagaland, a state in Northeast India. Founded in 2006 by a motivated group of young Naga professionals, YouthNet works towards equipping youth with essential knowledge, life skills, and attitudes necessary to become proactive, productive, and responsible members of society. The organization plays a vital role in tackling issues like education gaps, unemployment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods in the region. As you dive deeper, discover how YouthNet has shaped youth empowerment through innovative projects, strategic partnerships, skill training, and a powerful vision that fuels sustainable development across Nagaland.

1. The Founding and Vision of YouthNet Nagaland

YouthNet was launched on February 1, 2006, by a passionate team of young professionals committed to societal development in Nagaland. Its vision centers on driving and empowering the youth for sustainable development. Registered under the Registration of Societies Act, YouthNet has since grown into one of Northeast India's premier youth organizations. The foundation’s core values emphasize integrity, innovation, equality, teamwork, and ownership, laying a robust framework for youth empowerment and societal contribution.

2. Mission and Objectives

The mission of YouthNet Nagaland is to enable young people to acquire knowledge and develop life skills and attitudes that help them become self-directing, positive, and contributing members of society. YouthNet actively collaborates with government bodies, educational institutions, corporations, philanthropists, and grassroots organizations. The objective is to address critical youth-related concerns, including education, employment, entrepreneurship, environment, and livelihood, through inclusive and participative approaches.

3. Flagship Programs and Projects

YouthNet operates several impactful programs that cater to various youth needs. Some notable initiatives include the Skills to Succeed (S2S) training, YouthNet Career Development Centre (YCDC), and the Nagaland Education Project - The Lighthouse (NECTAR). These programs provide training in skill development, career counseling, vocational education, and capacity building for school governance. Additionally, the organization runs entrepreneurship development schemes and sustainable livelihood projects like banana fiber extraction and sustainable pig farming, illustrating its multi-faceted approach.

4. YouthNet Incubation Centre and Startup Support

Recognizing the importance of startups and entrepreneurship, YouthNet established the YouthNet Incubation Centre (YIC) in Kohima. It supports innovation and entrepreneurship by nurturing emerging startups, providing mentorship, incubation, and seed funding opportunities. Recently, YouthNet has been instrumental in facilitating local startups' access to funding under national schemes like the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) GENESIS program, helping technology-driven startups from Nagaland scale and commercialize their innovations.

5. Impact and Reach Over the Years

In its 18 years of existence, YouthNet has positively influenced the lives of over 170,000 individuals across Nagaland and the broader Northeast region. By engaging youth in education enhancement, skill development, and employment facilitation, YouthNet has bridged critical gaps between youth aspirations and opportunities. Its initiatives have helped launch many young entrepreneurs, improved employability, and contributed to sustainable community development, making it a key player in regional youth empowerment.

6. Partnerships and Collaborations

YouthNet’s growth and success are backed by strategic partnerships with government departments, international agencies, corporates, and NGOs. Projects like the NECTAR education initiative are conducted in partnership with the Government of Nagaland and the World Bank. Collaborations with IBM for STEM programs, NABARD for skill development in food processing, and JICA for forest management projects highlight YouthNet’s extensive network and multi-sectoral approach to youth and community development.

7. Focus on Skill Development and Employment

YouthNet places heavy emphasis on skill building to boost employability among Nagaland’s youth. The organization runs specialized vocational training programs such as plumbing, retail management, and food processing. Through its Nagaland Job Centre branch, YouthNet connects job seekers with employers both locally and in larger Indian cities, facilitating employment in hospitality, retail, aviation, and other industries. This focus helps curb unemployment and channel youth talent into productive careers.

8. Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Promotion

YouthNet actively nurtures entrepreneurial mindsets among young people through competitions like the intercollegiate "First Cut" and entrepreneurship fellowships. The establishment of Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) in schools and colleges across Nagaland furthers this effort by providing resources like workspaces, internet access, and laboratories. These efforts seek to cultivate a startup culture in the state, empowering youth to innovate and create sustainable businesses that boost the local economy.

9. Environmental and Livelihood Initiatives

Understanding the intrinsic connection between environment and livelihood, YouthNet supports projects like sustainable pig farming and banana fiber extraction to promote eco-friendly livelihood options. The organization also participates in the Nagaland Forest Management Project, emphasizing sustainable natural resource use. These programs provide alternative income sources while fostering environmental stewardship, highlighting YouthNet’s commitment to holistic community development.

10. Recognition and Future Prospects

YouthNet’s work has been recognized at national levels, including awards such as the Nari Shakti Puraskar received by its founder Hekani Jakhalu. Looking ahead, YouthNet aims to deepen its impact by expanding skill development programs, increasing startup incubation capacity, and enhancing youth participation in governance and sustainable development endeavors. With continuous support and innovation, YouthNet is positioned to empower future generations of Nagaland, stimulating growth and resilience.

Conclusion

YouthNet Nagaland stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for the youth of Nagaland, effectively addressing issues of education, employment, and entrepreneurship through empowerment and innovation. Its comprehensive approach involving skill development, incubation, partnerships, and environment-friendly livelihoods offers a sustainable model for youth development in the region. As YouthNet continues to evolve and expand its reach, it raises an essential question: How can similar youth-driven movements shape the future of other underserved regions in India and beyond? The story of YouthNet urges deeper attention to the potential and power of young people in shaping resilient societies.