U.S. Consul General Helen LaFave visited Meghalaya from September 15 to 18, marking her first visit to the region. Her trip emphasized various aspects of the U.S.-India strategic relationship, such as educational exchanges, English language teaching collaboration, business opportunities, and developmental initiatives.
During her visit, LaFave engaged with a diverse group of individuals in Meghalaya, including government officials, civil society leaders, business figures, and students. She commenced her trip by participating in a meeting organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce with local business leaders to explore potential economic collaborations within the state.
In her educational outreach efforts, Consul General LaFave met with representatives from Meghalaya's Education Department. They discussed potential collaborations with the U.S. Regional English Language Office (RELO) aimed at enhancing English language teaching skills among secondary school teachers. The U.S. RELO Office in India plans to support two English language specialists who will train 120 secondary school teachers in Shillong over three weeks as part of this initiative with RMSA Meghalaya. The training will focus on integrating communicative language skill development into the existing literature-focused curriculum.
LaFave also visited North Eastern Hill University where she addressed students about re-imagining the U.S.-India relationship through educational partnerships. In her remarks, she stated: “Complementing India’s Enhanced Look East Policy, the United States supports the vision of an Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor that can help bridge South and Southeast Asia – where the Indian and Pacific Oceans converge and where trade has thrived for centuries … The Northeast plays a significant role as the region that connects India with its neighbors in the East.”
Additionally, LaFave toured Mawphlang Sacred Grove and was impressed by its biodiversity and cultural heritage preservation. She also visited Smit village during this time.
The consul general made a courtesy call on Chief Minister Sangma before concluding her visit by hosting alumni from various U.S. State Department-funded exchange programs who shared insights about Meghalaya's traditions and their future aspirations.