DAN workshop stresses skill education for children in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The Development Association of Nagaland (DAN) organised its annual consultative workshop on child rights, focusing on the theme “Skill education needs of children in Nagaland” in the context of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

According to a press release, the workshop was organised with the stakeholders and beneficiaries of the child rights interventions of the organisation at the DAN Training Centre, Dimapur.

Speaking on the importance of skill education, the guest of honour, Johnny Ruangmei, chief executive officer of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), emphasised the necessity to revamp the education system. He highlighted that for individuals to expand their intellectual horizons and overcome physical limitations, it is crucial to initiate these conversations within schools.

He noted that students are expected to be learners and creators and highlighted the measures outlined in the NEP 2020 to promote skill-based education in schools, as well as the utilisation of technology tools to support personalised learning.

Rev. Fr. Jacob Charalel, secretary of the Commission for Education, Diocese of Kohima (CEDoK), and vice president of the All Nagaland Private Schools Association (ANSPA), emphasised in his keynote address during the inaugural session that students ought to possess a comprehensive understanding of practical application alongside theoretical knowledge, moving beyond mere bookish learning.

He highlighted the prevalent tendency where individuals prioritise certificates over acquiring practical life skills, leading to a situation where highly qualified individuals lack the necessary skills, contributing to increased unemployment rates.

Dr. Chumbeni Kikon, joint mission director of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA), emphasised during her input session that skill education is essential for children. She highlighted that the team under SSA is committed to reaching students in both rural and urban areas.

She mentioned that, to date, they have successfully reached 138 schools and provided approximately 15,000 students from 16 districts with 10 different vocational training programmes.