Phek student leaders show not all bridges are digital

Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 9 (EMN): Nagaland consists of a rural population of 71.03%, according to the 2011 census and undeniably, the Covid-19 lockdown has halted learning in the rural areas of the state.

While the authorities concerned strive to bridge the gap, the challenge lies in the divide when it comes to equal opportunity for learning, as many students do not have access to technology or face poor internet connectivity. Some pockets cannot even access the Doordarshan channel even as other service providers do not telecast the virtual classes.

In order to help students who are at the losing end, student unions in Phek district have come forward to give free tutoring to high school students.

Thenyizumi Students’ Union (TSU) is teaching students in the morning and evening for four hours (two hours in the morning and evening respectively).

Speaking to Eastern Mirror, TSU president Veduto Theyo informed that the union had come up with the idea after seeing students miss their lessons. Theyo said, “Having experienced the divide that widens the rich-poor gap, we have come up with the idea for tutoring with the facilities and resources available.”

The president informed that there are 21 volunteer teachers conducting three lectures each; seven teachers (experienced), other professionals and senior students have come forward to teach the students rendering their free service during the lockdown.

He said that the union is making use of the village council hall for conducting the classes. The rooms have sufficient space for social distancing while conducting classes, he said and added that the union, prior to the lockdown, had even conducted winter coaching camp for students appearing their HSLC examinations.

“All the teachers and students are actively taking part in transit arrangement during the lockdown,” he informed.

A teacher who is volunteering told this newspaper that “for a society like us, students cannot learn better other than classroom tutoring, and every student is not privileged enough to have all the facilities. I am happy to engage in this tutoring of bridging the gap of education”.

In Zhavame village, the Zhavame Students’ Union (ZSU), supported by the village council, has been providing five classes daily, according to an executive member of ZSU.

The leader informed that there are around 100 hundred students attending the classes with around 20 student executives, senior students and lecturers as teachers, with each period comprising 45 minutes starting daily at 9 am.

The student leaders from the two unions also expressed hope that the initiative would help the students in bridging their learning gap while confirming that they would continue the same until educational institutions are re-opened.