KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 26: Minister for Forests, Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, Monday implored sections of the teaching community to nurture students according to their talents and abilities and not to judge them solely on academic excellence.
The minister observed that many talents, apart from studies, go wasted just because the teaching community and parents fail to encourage these talents.
“Every student may not be bright in studies and all of them may not become doctors, engineers or pass the competitive exams. There could many students who have incredible talents in other fields,” Dr. Kire said maintaining that students possessing talents in sports, singing, handicrafts, painting, etc., should be identified and encouraged so that one day they make a career according to their talents and abilities.Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a new building of St. Andrew School, Jotsoma, Dr. Kire made an ardent plea to the teaching faculty to take the responsibility to encourage and nurture the talents and not to concentrate within the four corners of the classroom.
Speaking to a host of academicians, public leaders, parents and students, Dr. Kire said the reputation of any school/college should be judged on how the students achieve in life with successful careers and not on the pass percentage during HSLC/HSSL and university exams.
While making his observation known that many parents tends to leave the responsibility on the teachers in educating their children, Dr. Kire advised the parents to do away with this practice and instead take equal responsibility to educate their own children from early age. To this, he maintained that students, teachers and parents should play equal parts for the students to achieve success.
Rev Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, who dedicated the new school building to the care of the Almighty, expressed his hope that the school would be able to produce students who will make a difference and be agents of change in the Naga society and beyond. He further encouraged the students to strive hard so that they become catalyst of change
Presenting a brief report about the school, Lhouphrevilie John Rino, who served as the first headmaster, said St. Andrew School, Jotsoma, was established in 1985 with the support of the catholic community and villagers of Jotsoma village. The school was upgraded to Class X (10) in 20017 and is presently managed by the diocese of Kohima.
