We won’t rush in reopening schools and colleges in Nagaland, says official

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 5 (EMN): On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, the principal director of School Education, Shanavas C, described teaching is a divine profession and that it deals with the ‘future generation and future of our society in moulding the young generations’. He went on to state that the safety of students would be taken into account before taking a decision to reopening schools and colleges in Nagaland.

While extending his greetings to the teachers on the occasion on Saturday, he said that Teachers’ Day celebration couldn’t be held this year because of the pandemic coupled with the national mourning due to the death of the former president, Pranab Mukherjee.

However, he stated that the winners of this year’s teacher awards have been announced and a suitable time would be arranged to give away the awards to the recipients in honour of their contributions. He congratulated the winners.

The principal director maintained that many teachers had contributed really well during the pandemic, adding that many teachers came forward voluntarily to help students from both government and private schools.

While maintaining that teachers have a major role to play, he said they have to adapt to the changing time and contribute to the society, citing how the world is moving ahead technologically.

“Teachers have to be students first and they should have the motivation to learn new things so that it can pass on to the students,” he said.

He asserted that education system in Nagaland has many issues, varying from remoteness, lack of connectivity, and many schools running without proper teachers, yet he maintained that despite such challenges, many teachers are sacrificing and doing their best.

The official also conveyed his hope and prayers to the teachers, that they continue to render their services in the development of the state, which he stated, is a major responsibility for everyone and more responsibility for the teachers.

Won’t rush on school reopening

Meanwhile, Shanavas informed that the decision for re-opening educational institutions will depend on the guidelines of the ministry of Home Affairs.

He stated that the latest Unlock-4 guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs had restricted the opening of schools until September end.

“We won’t rush so that the safety of our children isn’t at stake and we won’t rush towards that (re-opening of schools) but we will analyse the situation,” he said, adding that it will decide and ‘take a local call’ only after the MHA guidelines.

He maintained that online classes are going on and the routines are scheduled till September 24, which he said, the department would come up with more measures depending on the situation.

He also stated that besides online classes, some schools are simultaneously giving out notes and assignments to its students owing to the unprecedented situations.

Further, he advised the students to cultivate the habits of readings, which he stated, is essential and important for students in the developmental stage in order to ensure that there is continuous education and no break in education and that they don’t lag behind when schools re-open.