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PFUTSERO — Dr. Neizo Puro, assistant professor, department of Botany, Nagaland University, said on Saturday that according to UDISE 2021-2022, Pfutsero has 26,272 students, 58% of whom are enrolled in pre-primary, 23% in classes 6 to 8, 14% in classes 9 and 10, and 5% in classes 11 and 12.
This showed that there are fewer students as the classes get higher, he said.
Speaking as one of the panellists during a panel discussion on ‘paradigm shift from degree education to value-based education’ at Pfutsero organised by the Chakhesang Scholars' Forum (CSF) to explore ways to improve the possibilities of moral ethos and value-based education in the Chakhesang areas, he suggested reviving the morung traditional system of education in the Chakhesang areas.
He said that there is a need to teach moral values, and children need to know the absolute truth from their belief system.
According to Puro, the cultural day that is observed in schools once a year should be increased to once a week. These days, teachers can impart knowledge to children through storytelling, playing indigenous games, and teaching activities related to culture and tradition, he suggested.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]While presenting data on schools in the Phek district according to Samagra Shiksha, the statistical handbook of the government of Nagaland, and UDISE 2021–2022, he stated that there are 233 schools (174 government schools and 59 private schools) and 366 teachers, of whom 78% are from government schools and 32% from private schools.
He mentioned that there are more male teachers in government schools while there are more female teachers in private schools.
Also, as classes get higher, the number of girls increases while the number of boys decreases, he said, adding that the enrollment of boys in higher education must be improved. Moreover, the majority of dropouts in the district are between the ages of 11 and 19.
Professor Dr. Zavise Rume, chairman of CSF, said on the occasion that people are very interested in political and social issues but are not talking about value-based education.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]In this regard, he said there is a need to deliberate on how to use modern education to improve cultural values, how both indigenous and modern education can co-exist and promote each other, and how theoretical education can be done away with and skill-based education promoted in today's society.
"The rich culture and tradition of the Nagas that our forefathers once practised was original and can be taught to the world," he said and urged the children to practise them.
Dr. Kewepfuzu Lohe, assistant professor and vice principal, Baptist College, Sechu Campus, implored on the need for clarity in today's world and that education should be able to provide clarity to the children.
The core value of education is integrity in any field, and to build a man or woman of integrity, it is the teachers who are responsible, Lohe said.
Medozu Mero, former vice principal of Pfutsero College, said that everything seems to be moving in the wrong direction today because of the wrong value system.
He said the tendency to judge success only from one angle is problematic and insisted on redefining the meaning of success.
Husazu Epao, the former principal of Patkai Christian College, stated that the Nagas have become excessively government-job-oriented and revere government officers.
This is why every year thousands of students study hard to appear for the NPSC examinations, which are clerical jobs, he said, adding that children must not be limited to becoming office assistants or clerks.
He was of the opinion that the Chokri Chakhesang Literature Board has a crucial role to play, especially when it comes to value education, and urged the board to do proper research when bringing out textbooks for students.