Nagaland: No more classes for students on Saturdays

Teachers are not slaves, says Dr. Yhome

KOHIMA — In an attempt to bring about a positive change to the educational landscape of Nagaland, Advisor of School Education and SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome on Tuesday announced several reformative measures, including closure of schools on Saturdays.

Speaking during the Teachers’ Day celebration at NBCC Convention Hall in Kohima, Yhome acknowledged the contributions of the teachers to the society.

While pointing out that government schools are often in news for all the wrong reasons, he said the efforts are being made to bring about reforms in the School Education department in regard to transfer, posting and others.

He announced that all schools, including private schools, will no longer have regular classes on Saturdays.

“Saturdays will be strictly observed as holidays. Teachers are not slaves — they cannot afford to spend six days a week teaching. They need time for their family,” he said, adding that children too need time and environment outside the classroom for holistic development.

In view of heavy rush for admission to government higher secondary schools, he said first preference will be given to students from government high schools, for which a ‘Memorandum of Agreement’ would be soon signed between government schools in the state.

Both private and government schools will follow a scheduled sports week, he said, adding that district-wise, inter-district and All-Nagaland sports meet would be conducted to identify and groom talents. The department is in talks with the Nagaland Olympic Association and Department of Youth Resource and Sports, to pool resources for conducting a common sports event.

He also encouraged schools in rural areas to start classes early by 6 am, “depending on winter and summer” as lot of morning hours are wasted due to inordinate time zones.

“Starting next year, it will be mandatory for all to have a School Children Health Card, which will be introduced in collaboration with the department of Health and Family Welfare. This will allow every child to get medical attention at the doorstep of their schools,” said the advisor.

To prevent duplication, a “Common Teachers Training” will be notified, he said, adding that consultations with SCERT, NBSE, Samagra Shiksha and relevant departments are underway for the programme.

He went on to say that to bring dignity to head of institutions, the nomenclature ‘Teacher-in-Charge’ for primary schools will be replaced by a new designation, which will be notified next academic year.

Asserting that drug menace is affecting the society and children, he called upon the school establishments and teachers to wage war against drug.

Yhome also informed that the School Education department will soon issue notice for recruitment of teachers.

Be role models

Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner and Secretary of School Education and SCERT, Kevileno Angami lauded the teachers, saying that dedication, commitment, patience and passion is required to walk the extra mile and work beyond the call of duty to help students grow.

She credited the growth and development of the state to the teachers.

Expressing gratitude to the teachers for imparting knowledge, shaping young minds, nurturing talents and instilling confidence in children to face the world, she said teachers leave an imprint and have positively impacted lives.

She also urged the teachers to be role models; not only impart knowledge but also instil values, ethics, critical and creative thinking, and problem solving skills to students.

Earlier in the programme, Principal Director of School Education Thavaseelan K delivered the welcome address and several schools presented songs and other items.

Dr. Yhome also launched the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK), a centralised management system for monitoring real-time status of various projects and activities of School Education department and its sister organisations. It will provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving the education system and ensuring better learning outcomes for students.

He also declared September 6 as holiday for all the schools in Nagaland on account of Teachers’ Day and gave away State Level Teachers awards to more than a dozen awardees.

State Level Teachers’ Award recipients

• Shekuto Rhakho, postgraduate teacher, GHSS Chozuba

• T Kusi Trakha, graduate teacher, GHS Phoyisha (Yisi)

•   Suman Bhagat, graduate teacher, GHS Sahuboto, Zunheboto

• M Chemnyei Konyak, primary teacher, GMS Mon Town ‘D’

• M Phongyel Changkhu, postgraduate teacher, GHSS Aboi, Mon

• Talitemsu, graduate teacher, GHS Yachem, Longleng

• I Asenla, primary teacher, GHS Yaongyimchen, Longleng

• R Ronald Meru, postgraduate teacher, GHSS Pungro, Kiphire

• NAbenthung Kithan, graduate teacher, GMS Mungya, Wokha

• Yonga Langpong Chang, postgraduate teacher, GHSS Tuensang

• Viletuo-ú Sanchu, primary teacher, GMS Botsa, Kohima

• Martina Sekhose, graduate teacher, RGHSS, Kohima

• Kikrukhrieu Yhome, primary teacher, GPS, High School Area, Kohima
• Nath Kumari Sharma, assistant teacher, Lornas HSS, Dimapur
• Rina Dey, assistant teacher, Holy Cross HSS, Dimapur
• Regina, assistant teacher, John HSS, Tuensang
• Diwakar Mishra, assistant teacher, Don Bosco HSS, Kohima
• Akoon Konyak, assistant teacher, Sacred Heart School, Mon

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