NextStep Kohima connects 2000 students with universities, scholarships & mentors

Morung Express News Kohima | October 15About 2000 students representing 50 different schools from Kohima were given direct access to universities, colleges, coaching institutes, skill development centres, scholarship opportunities and career mentors during the “NextStep Kohima 2026 Educational and Career Fair,” held at Kohima Village Ground, Ziekezou on October 15.With the aim to connect students and parents directly with the people who can provide reliable information and guidance, Albert Seluokuolie Rutsa, Convenor of the Organizing Committee said, “We want students to ask questions, explore possibilities, understand their options, and make decisions based on knowledge rather than uncertainty.”Delivering the keynote address, he pointed out, “for a student completing Class 10, 12, and graduates, it may be a question of which stream to choose, what course or college to choose, or it could be about pursuing higher studies, preparing for competitive examinations, or acquiring skills for employment.” Unfortunately, he stated that many of these decisions are made without adequate information while depending on word-of-mouth advice, the experiences of friends, or the opinions of others. While these may be helpful, he however underlined, “important decisions about one’s future deserve more than guesswork.” In this regard, he said, “what works for others might not work for you and vice versa” while highlighting that NextStep Kohima is an effort to bridge that information gap.He informed that the initiative is guided by a pre-event survey conducted to understand the needs, interests, and aspirations of the students. Stating that the institutions and organisations invited to the fair have been identified with these needs in mind, covering not only conventional academic pathways but also emerging sectors such as coffee, music, and technology, he encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunity, ask questions and explore fields beyond the familiar.  “Understand the courses you wish to pursue, the skills you need to develop, and the financial assistance available to you,” he further advised.Exuding the belief of Kohima Village Students’ Union (KVSU) - “access to information and opportunities is an important part of empowering our students,” he hoped that the Fair would encourage continued conversations, stronger connections, and better access to educational and career guidance.The Educational and Career Fair organised by KVSU was formally declared open by Dr Vizolie Suokhrie, Chairman, Kohima Village Council (KVC), who also encouraged students to explore the opportunities while particularly citing skill centres. He commended the KVSU for the initiative in giving students the access to information and stated hope that it would help them make the right career decision. Earlier, Vizovotuo Kire, Chaplain, Khedi Baptist Fellowship Dzüziezou invoked God’s blessings.