Shillong, Sept 5: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has suggested learning of local languages by the students upto class 5.
“We need to start introducing and learning local languages upto class 5 though it is logistically challenging, a few words in Khasi- Garo languages atleast the students should learn for state integration, I wanted the education department to roll out this , we will give support”, Conrad said during the 1′ Day celebration held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, on Thursday.
He also said exchange programmes between different schools across different districts can foster understanding of cultures besides giving them exposure to the world outside their own environment.
The chief minister said there is a need to have a positive and healthy competition among schools at the district levels. “Schools based on certain criteria and not only just on results can be awarded and they can in turn share their best practices with other schools creating a positive environment where they support each other”, he added.
He also has an advice to the teachers.
“Teachers should know what they are trying to do….what is your purpose, is it to finish course and close the school at 2 pm..or build character and wisdom of the students, and make them responsible and God fearing citizens”, the chief minister said.
He also said there is a need to have a positive and healthy competition among schools at the district levels. “Schools based on certain criteria and not only just on results can be awarded and they can in turn share their best practices with other schools creating a positive environment where they support each other”, he said.
He also reminded the need to collectively promote the goal of education and said, “The government has been very focused and we remain committed to improving education with making investments in education addressing infrastructure issues, modernizing and streamlining curricula and teachers training for their professional development but this is an ecosystem where every stakeholder, the teachers, the parents, the students, the government and the officials have a role to play.”
CM IMPACT launched to improve results
Earlier, the Chief Minister also launched the CM IMPACT program. To address the issue of low pass percentages in Meghalaya’s SSLC exams, the chief minister has initiated a campaign titled the Chief Minister’s Initiative to Maximize Pass Achievement and Classroom Triumph or CM IMPACT. This initiative will provide comprehensive support to students, teachers, schools, parents, and districts to enhance SSLC results.
Key components of CM IMPACT include free distribution of guidebooks for students, professional development support for teachers, additional guidebooks for teachers, targeted assistance for underperforming schools and parental involvement.
As part of this initiative, guidebooks for teachers were distributed free of cost to all teachers of class 10 students regardless of whether they are from private or government schools.
The chief minister and the dignitaries also launched the Curio Bee’s Learning Box, a teaching-learning material for developing foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) skills for classes nursery to 3 aged 3-9 years and also launched the science discovery, kit, an experiential science kit for young inventors from classes 6 to 8. Booklets by SSA/DERT and PM POSHAN were also released during the occasion.
The state awards 2024 to teachers for their distinguished and meritorious service were also given by the chief guest and the dignitaries. Fourteen teachers from different districts were felicitated and awarded during the occasion. Under the Special Awards 2024, the District School Education Officer, East Khasi Hills, Shillong awarded Catherine Nongrum, Assistant Teacher, School & Centre for the Hearing Handicapped Children, Shillong.
A number of song and dance performances by students of various schools were among the major attractions of the day. Chief Secretary, D P Wahlang, Commissioner & Secretary, Education, Vijay Kumar Mantri, Advisor, Education, H M Shangpliang and Director, DSEL, Swapnil Tembe were present.
