School dept. organises ‘Walk4Dyslexia’ across Nagaland

DIMAPUR — Commemorating Dyslexia Awareness Month, the Department of School Education along with Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), Department of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, SCERT, Samagra Shiksha, and office of the State Disability Commissioner organised ‘Walk4Dyslexia’ at The Heritage in Kohima on Saturday.

The event, organised in collaboration with ChangeInkk Foundation, UNESCO MGEIP and other national and local partners, saw participation from organisations including Elder Line Kohima, National Helpline, Beautiful Minds Centre and several prominent schools and institutions in Kohima, stated an update from the Education department.

It stated that October is recognised globally as Dyslexia Awareness Month, an annual effort to change perceptions around learning disabilities like dyslexia and highlight the strengths of dyslexic thinking.

It stated that on the theme ‘Go Red,’ impactful events and advocacy campaigns were held worldwide to support individuals with dyslexia and create pathways to success.

It mentioned that more than 1100 walks are being conducted across India including in most major cities such as Kolkatta, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi as well as in the districts and blocks of Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand.

It added that Nagaland actively joined in the national movement by organising walks in Dimapur, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Kiphire, Wokha, Tuensang and Kohima districts.

Led by students, teachers, special educators, school leaders, parents and policy makers, the walks saw thousands of participants united in their support for the learning disabilities community.

It stated that the Department of School Education in Nagaland, in collaboration with the Department of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Nagaland Board of School Education, SCERT and Samagra Shiksha, has ensured that no child with a potential learning disability is overlooked.

“This disability was formally recognised as one of the 21 disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016; however, significant efforts are still needed to ensure these students are integrated into mainstream schools and not left behind,” the update stated.

It stated that Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia affect individuals with average or above-average IQ and also hinder their ability to process language, both spoken and written. The challenges often manifest difficulties in reading, writing, spelling or math and many individuals with SLD suffer silently.

Under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it stated that Nagaland’s department of School Education has partnered with ChangeInkk Foundation to mainstream the inclusion of students with SLD in the state’s education system.

The partnership, initiated in 2022, focused on a comprehensive systems transformation, ensuring inclusive classroom practices, training teachers and developing inclusive curricula and teaching-learning materials (TLMs). The goal was to create an educational environment where every child, regardless of learning disability, can excel.

It added that the initiative aims to create inclusive school environments where students are identified, screened and supported, unlocking their untapped potential, thereby reducing dropout rates and enhancing learning outcomes.

The walk in Kohima was attended by Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, advisor of School Education and SCERT, as the guest of honour.

The event concluded with remarks said by Thavaseelan K, principal director of School Education.

Over 300 participants gathered to raise awareness, advocate for individuals with dyslexia and pledge to build opportunities for every child to thrive.

It further stated that Nagaland has joined hands with ChangeInkk Foundation to ensure that students with learning disabilities receive the support they deserve, from identification and intervention to lifelong success.