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KOHIMA — The first government high school in Nagaland, Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Kohima, celebrated a milestone with the inauguration of its new higher secondary block on Thursday.
Dr. Kekrielhoulie Yhome, advisor of School Education and SCERT, formally inaugurated the new building.
Established in 1941, before Indian independence, Rüzhükhrie GHSS has a legacy spanning over eight decades. The new block comes more than 20 years after the school introduced higher secondary education in 2002.
Speaking at the inauguration, Yhome emphasised the school's rich history and the many leaders who have passed through its doors. He expressed hope that the heritage building would become a landmark for Kohima, valued for its educational contributions and its contribution to the city's aesthetic beauty.
The new block, he assured, will be followed by further developmental initiatives, including a new girl's hostel.
The advisor also addressed concerns about encroachment on school land originally donated by Kohima village, saying that the department is working to resolve the issue.
The nearby Government Primary School will soon be merged with Rüzhükhrie GHSS, creating a composite school that offers classes from standard A to 12.
The primary school has 267 students and 13 teachers.
Addressing the shortage of educators in certain subjects, Yhome informed that the department is in the process of recruiting 138 Mathematics and Science teachers. He said that the recruitment and posting of teachers were delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct during elections.
Furthermore, as the government of India has issued a directive for colleges to stop offering classes 11 and 12, with 2023 marking the final year for 15 government colleges in the state to offer these classes.
Noting that seven out of 15 colleges in the state are located in Kohima, he acknowledged the impact on students, especially those in rural areas, and said that the government is hoping to open more higher secondary schools in the state.
At present, there are 1939 government schools across the state, out of which 53 are higher secondary schools.
He said that 1439 students matriculated from Mon district this year but many could not go out to pursue further studies. To address this, the department recently took the initiative to upgrade a local primary school to a higher secondary school, he added.
Additionally, the government’s is trying to provide free education to all children in Nagaland, he maintained.
Yhome also shared that one of Nagaland's oldest schools, Government High School, Wakching in Mon, had to be demolished. Established as the fifth high school in Nagaland and the first in the eastern region, the historic structure had to be torn down as the department was unable to adequately maintain the building, ultimately leading to safety concerns, he said.
Lebu Krose, Senior Principal of Rüzhükhrie GHSS, provided details about the new building, updating that it features 16 classrooms, two offices, two staff rooms and toilet facilities.
Stating that the old school building was constructed during the British era and its centenary is approaching, she urged the advisor to look into the condition of the structure on a priority basis.
Earlier in the day, Yhome flagged off a new school bus which was donation by EdCIL as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
The ceremony, held at the Directorate of School Education, was attended by Principal Director of School Education, Thavaseelan K, along with staff, faculty and students.
Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Kevichalie Metha, pastor of Peraciezie Baptist Church pronounced a dedicatory prayer for the new building while Rev. Sentisashi Aier, senior pastor of Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo said the prayer for the bus flag-off programme. The school choir presented a song.